Obama and Biden ignored them.
Former President Donald Trump made a notable appearance at 180 Church in Detroit, Michigan, over the weekend, joining a roundtable discussion with religious and community leaders aimed at engaging black voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Pastor Lorenzo Sewell warmly welcomed Trump, expressing gratitude for his visit and contrasting it with what he perceived as a lack of outreach from former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden to the Detroit community.
“I’m so humbled that you would be here, President Trump. President Obama never came to the hood, so to speak,” Pastor Sewell remarked, drawing applause from those present. He highlighted Biden’s attendance at a major NAACP dinner but noted the absence of visits to areas he described as neglected.
Trump’s campaign framed the event as part of a broader effort to address concerns important to black voters, citing support for Trump’s Platinum Plan. This initiative promises significant financial investments aimed at benefiting black communities, potentially aiding businesses and churches.
“We’re going to hold him accountable to the Platinum Plan that he produced,” Sewell affirmed, emphasizing the plan’s importance to his community.
The roundtable was intended as a platform for marginalized voices to engage directly with Trump, according to Sewell, who stressed the significance of including those often overlooked in policy discussions.
Trump’s visit coincided with the launch of the “Black Americans for Trump” coalition, which featured prominent black Republicans such as Dr. Ben Carson and Rep. Byron Donalds. Senator Tim Scott highlighted economic and social justice issues as key reasons for black voter support for Trump.
Meanwhile, Biden’s support among black voters has seen fluctuations, with concerns over potential losses in crucial swing states due to shifts in voter sentiment. The Biden campaign responded to Trump’s Detroit visit with criticism from local faith leaders, highlighting contrasting views on Trump’s engagement with the black community.
Overall, Trump’s outreach in Detroit underscored ongoing efforts to secure support from black voters, amid a competitive political landscape leading up to the next election cycle.