In case you weren’t capable of abdomen Donald Trump’s deal with to Congress Tuesday night time (March 4), I can’t blame you. Lots of people couldn’t and ten Democrats selected to not even attend. However there are 5 takeaways that Black folks ought to get from the circus, which wasn’t really a State of the Union deal with, however a bragfest by which the president felt it essential to proceed campaigning towards Joe Biden.
Rep. Al Inexperienced confirmed us get into Good Bother
The veteran Texas congressman was defiant inside the first 5 minutes of Trump’s deal with, pushing again about how potential dangerous federal cuts to Medicaid and Medicare. He was advised to take his seat by Home Speaker Mike Johnson, however wouldn’t. So, Johnson ordered his elimination. He explains what he was saying within the video beneath. I’m glad the story of the night time is about him and I feel 2025 ought to be the yr of OGs like him exhibiting us the way in which.
RESIST T-Shirts ought to be a method pattern
Within the spirit of Inexperienced’s defiance, a number of different Democratic members determined to stroll out somewhat than hear Trump’s sore winner lambasting. Reps. Jasmine Crockett, Maxwell Frost, LaMonica McIver Lateefah Simon, and Melanie Stansbury every bounced. As they exited the room they took off their jackets to disclose T-shirts with messages. Crockett’s mentioned “RESIST” whereas Frost’s mentioned “No Kings Dwell Right here.” That is as dope as Kendrick Lamar’s bellbottoms in the course of the Tremendous Bowl halftime present.
Trump nonetheless blames DEI for the Potomac air crash
After an American Airways passenger jet crashed into an Military helicopter on Jan. 29, Trump advised that DEI-installed air site visitors controllers had been accountable. That’s after all, false, and ongoing investigations, are discovering that poor staffing and potential dangerous altitude data are culprits. However Trump introduced up air site visitors controllers within the a part of his speech the place he blasted DEI. This was a sign of his administration’s intent to eradicate all folks of shade from any place it deems vital.
Trump hasn’t let go of the sh*thole nation narrative
One other throwback from final night time is when he talked about the African nation of Lesotho, calling it someplace, “no person ever heard of.” He talked about it whereas praising Elon Musk and DOGE. He claimed it recognized a wasted $8 million to advertise LGBTQ+ within the nation. However South African newspaper The Sunday Instances says that isn’t true. As a substitute, the nation has acquired roughly $120 million in support for well being packages in 2024, together with $43.5 million for treating HIV/AIDS. This harkens again to 2018 when he referred to Haiti and African nations as sh*thole international locations.
Trump Needs to flex the Police
Since his first time period, Trump has needed to seek out methods to offer police extra energy over Black folks and now he could get it. First, he’s calling for the loss of life penalty for anybody convicted of killing a cop. Second, he needs a brand new crime invoice that focuses on repeat offenders. The emphasis is outwardly on immigrants who match that class as he has mentioned he needs them “exiled” from America. However it might come as no shock if it had been as broad reaching because the 1994 Crime Invoice, which continues to be seen as devastating to poor and nonwhite communities.
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Madison J. Grey is a New York-based journalist. He blogs at www.starkravingmadison.com