A new book written by journalist Bob Woodward details President Donald Trump’s lack of empathy and interest in the livelihood of Black Americans.
For his book, titled Rage, Woodward conducted, and recorded, nearly 20 interviews with Trump over several months detailing the president’s thoughts on George Floyd’s death and resulting protests. In a phone conversation with Trump three weeks after Floyd’s death, Trump downplayed concerns Black people have about racism in America.
During the call, Woodward told the president they’re both “privileged” older white men and have to be more aware of how Black people feel. In response, Trump mocked him, saying they do not need to understand the “anger and pain” felt by Black communities.
“No…You really drank the Kool-Aid, didn’t you? Just listen to you. Wow. No, I don’t feel that at all,” Trump told Woodward.
Woodward tried to keep the conversation on race but the President began to pivot toward the economy, again claiming he “has done more for the African American community than any other president in history besides Lincoln.”
“I’ve done a tremendous amount for the Black community. And, honestly, I’m not feeling any love,” Trump said during a conversation on July 8.
In a separate conversation days later, Woodward brought up race again, however, this time Trump said systemic racism isn’t limited to just the United States.
“Well, I think there is everywhere. I think probably less here than most places. Or less here than many places,” the president told Woodward.
Trump also expressed issues with several Black leaders including Barack Obama who he referred to as “Barack Hussein.”
“I don’t think Obama’s smart. I think he’s highly overrated. And I don’t think he’s a great speaker,” Trump told Woodward, adding that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called Obama an “a**hole” when they spoke privately.
The book also had a number of admissions made by the president regarding his response to the coronavirus pandemic.
from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/3ikSug2