Perspectives of 11 Black Voters on Trumps First Month in

Perspectives of 11 Black Voters on Trump’s First Month in Office

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In the initial weeks of President Trump’s second term, his administration swiftly acted to dismantle federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, coinciding with Black History Month. Reactions among Black Americans varied; some supported the changes, while others expressed alarm at the perceived regressive shift threatening civil rights. Veronica McCloud, recalling the civil rights movement, criticized the administration’s focus on diversity cuts over pressing societal issues. Conversely, Trump supporters welcomed his decisive actions. Community leaders and voters voiced concerns about the rapid pace of policy changes and their broader implications for marginalized communities, as many grappled with feelings of distress and uncertainty.

During the initial weeks of President Trump’s tumultuous second term—marked by significant efforts to dismantle federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs—much of this has coincided with February, a month dedicated to honoring and celebrating Black history in the U.S.

For Black Americans nationwide, the administration’s rapid actions to reverse diversity initiatives, while simultaneously promising to honor Black history, have been perceived as swift, although not entirely surprising.

Several Black voters interviewed on Thursday expressed that they anticipated President Trump’s actions would create instability. Those who backed him welcomed his decisive changes, while individuals who opposed him—and even some who abstained from voting last November—were taken aback. Many were closely monitoring developments, though some admitted to feeling compelled to turn away.

“As someone born in the 1960s during the height of the civil rights movement, the current situation feels like an attempt to revert to a bygone era,” expressed Ms. McCloud. “I’m recalling a time when Black Americans lacked civil rights even in their own country, and women had to seek permission from their husbands to enter the workforce.”

She noted her astonishment at how swiftly Mr. Trump enacted the executive order that dismantled diversity, equity, and inclusion programs throughout the federal government.

“There are countless issues in our country that require governmental focus, such as establishing a fair tax system or improving access to healthcare,” she remarked. “It makes you question why this administration is prioritizing D.E.I.”

“I feel like the first month has been fantastic,” stated Mr. Evans, who hails from a politically diverse family in Long Island and relocated to Texas after graduating college in 2021. “Many Americans aren’t accustomed to feeling the impact of a president so soon after an inauguration, but that should be the expectation.”

Mr. Evans voted for Mr. Trump and supported his decision to roll back federal diversity initiatives.

“I endorse a merit-based society,” he remarked. “I don’t want to be seen merely as a check mark, just a title in a computer system marking diversity’s box because they lacked sufficient Black representation.”

“To be frank, I have mostly avoided the news since the election,” Pastor Parker shared. However, many individuals in his congregation “are healing and looking for ways to react.”

Among Mr. Trump’s initiatives that have resonated with him has been the administration’s crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion attempts federally. He noted that it bears similarity to previous periods of resistance against advancements made by Black Americans in civil rights history, such as post-slavery, after the civil rights movement, and following the election of President Barack Obama.

“Any progress we’ve achieved is often viewed as detracting from those already in power,” Pastor Parker concluded. “There is always this perception that our achievements hinder others’ success.”

Ms. Muhammad mentioned that she cast her vote for Mr. Trump partly because he pledged to appoint Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as head of the Department of Health and Human Services.

“I wanted him managing health policies in our country,” she said regarding Mr. Kennedy. “That was a significant plus.”

Furthermore, she finds notable qualities in Mr. Trump’s initial month in office: she agrees with his executive orders on illegal immigration, viewing it as an economic burden, and supports the ban on trans women participating in women’s sports.

“I think the government should assist when needed, but not solve every issue on our behalf,” she commented.

“It feels like they’re just randomly addressing issues, and it’s unclear what their plan is,” Mr. James remarked, regarding the Trump administration’s move to cut diversity-related payments and programs.

“Racism undoubtedly plays a role,” he acknowledged, but he suspects that the administration is utilizing it as a tool to generally dismantle governmental functions. “Multiple dynamics may be at play simultaneously.”

Mr. James, who cast his vote for Jill Stein of the Green Party, expressed that he has no regrets about his choice in a third-party candidate. He believes Democrats failed to earn his support, primarily due to their stance on Israel’s conflict in Gaza. “I would vote for the Green Party a thousand times over,” he stated.

“People are feeling personally targeted by the actions of our President,” Pastor Hale stated, noting her intention to participate in a nationwide “economic boycott” later this month.

She is also following an initiative started by another pastor in the Atlanta area, Rev. Jamal Bryant, who is advocating for a 40-day boycott of Target in response to the retailer’s announcement to scale back its diversity objectives and programs.

Drawing parallels to the Montgomery bus boycott of the 1950s, she reflects on the idea that substantial change sometimes necessitates sacrifice. “There will be discomfort,” Pastor Hale conveyed, “but we must make a statement.”

Ms. Wilder, a Democrat, admitted she refrained from voting, believing Mr. Trump would prevail. Now, she is bracing herself for what she thinks will follow: cuts to food assistance, Social Security, and housing aid amongst other important support systems for the underprivileged.

“I already sensed that everything is about to be overhauled, so I’m focused on preparing myself and searching for better-paying jobs,” Ms. Wilder remarked.

“Racism has existed long before my arrival,” she reflected. “The battle I engage in is around employment. Can we not receive better wages? Working in public schools, I earn merely $17 an hour, which is inadequate.”

Ms. Green expressed her discontent with the sweeping cuts facilitated by Mr. Trump, particularly criticizing the significant influence of Elon Musk, designated to oversee the rudimentary “Department of Government Efficiency.”

“To have someone in charge that we didn’t elect is absurd,” she stated.

“It feels like the White House has been compromised,” said Ms. Green, who supported Kamala Harris in the election.

She described the power granted to Mr. Musk as undemocratic, questioning, “Is he a co-president? Is he my president’s superior?” She lamented, “They are marginalizing us—the aspect of ‘we the people.’”

“Donald Trump’s actions are largely what I expected,” remarked Mr. Williams, who chose not to vote in the 2024 election due to a dislike for both primary candidates.

“It feels like this is his chance to enact his agenda once again,” he noted. “Let’s hope his decisions yield positive results. No one wants to endure poverty. Everyone deserves better circumstances.”

Nonetheless, Mr. Williams voiced concern that the administration was moving at an alarming pace. “While I concur with aggression, it’s about the speed,” he warned. “Take additional time and conduct thorough research beforehand.”

“You can’t deny the effort President Trump has put in,” Mr. James stated. “We have never seen such a level of productivity before.”

Originally a supporter of Bernie Sanders in 2016, Mr. James was won over during Mr. Trump’s first term due to his advocacy for tax cuts and deregulatory measures. He is particularly enthusiastic about Trump’s implementation of tariffs aimed at achieving better trade conditions with international partners. He hopes renegotiated trade agreements will benefit the working class.

Mr. James also anticipates that the Trump administration will support family values.

“I come from a strong family with a robust work ethic,” he shared. “The new challenges revolve around family dynamics and the beneficial outcomes linked with strong familial structures.”

Mr. Traylor expressed that the Trump administration’s deportation strategy and its decree limiting gender to two categories have brought significant distress to his diverse community. He also mentioned the controversial gesture made by Mr. Musk at a rally shortly after Mr. Trump’s inauguration.

“Many are facing despair, genuinely feeling the burden of this moment,” Mr. Traylor remarked.

Recently, he gathered with a group of Black Jews and Jews of color to discuss how they can draw strength from their faith during these trying times.

“Let our faith serve as a guiding principle amidst the complexities posed by policies emerging from the White House,” he noted.

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