Donald Trump claims that his four criminal cases have actually increased his support among black Americans, as they perceive it as being “discriminated against”.
After being charged with attempting to overturn the 2020 US election result in Georgia, the former president mentioned that his mugshot was “embraced” by the black population.
Speaking at an event for black conservatives in South Carolina before the Republican primary, Trump likened his legal issues to the historical bias against African-Americans in the US legal system.
As he aims to secure a return to the White House in November, Trump expressed at the Black Conservative Federation’s gala, “I got indicted a second time and a third time and a fourth time, and a lot of people said that that’s why the black people like me, because they have been hurt so badly and discriminated against, and they actually viewed me as I’m being discriminated against.”
He continued, “It’s been pretty amazing but possibly, maybe, there’s something there.”
Trump, the leading Republican candidate in the upcoming election, is expected to defeat UN ambassador Nikki Haley in the South Carolina primary – her home state.
This primary allows Republican voters in the state to choose their candidate for the election.
Nikki Haley greets a supporter in South Carolina
In his campaign for the White House, Trump is focusing on his grievances against US President Joe Biden and what he perceives as a “deep state” conspiracy against him amidst his four criminal cases.
These cases involve his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, storing classified documents at his Florida estate, and allegedly making payments to a porn actress.
The fourth case pertains to allegations that he conspired to overturn his narrow defeat in Georgia during the 2020 election.
Discussing the mugshot from the Georgia case, Trump told the audience, “When I did the mugshot in Atlanta, that mugshot is No 1. You know who embraced it more than anyone else? The black population.”
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Trump’s campaign anticipates improved support from black voters in November compared to four years ago, citing Biden’s declining approval ratings among African-Americans.
“The lights are so bright in my eyes I can’t see too many people out there. But I can only see the black ones. I can’t see any white ones. That’s how far I’ve come,” Trump humorously remarked to the audience on Friday night.
He also mentioned that he knew many black individuals as African-American construction workers had constructed his properties.
Republicans face challenges in appealing to black voters, who largely support the Democratic Party.
Although enthusiasm for Biden among black voters has waned, just 25% of black Americans had a favorable view of Trump in a December AP-NORC poll.
Recently, Trump drew parallels between himself and Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader who passed away in a remote Arctic prison on 16 February.
Trump prepares for Republican primary
Hoping to secure his fourth primary victory in South Carolina against Haley, Trump entered the primary with a substantial lead in polls and the endorsement of the state’s top Republicans, including Senator Tim Scott, a former competitor in the race.
Haley has vowed to continue her campaign if she loses in her home state.