In the vibrant tapestry of American democracy, every individual’s vote is a thread that weaves together the fabric of our shared future. For African and African-American citizens, this right to vote resonates with historical significance, bearing the weight of a hard-fought battle against disenfranchisement and exclusion. Therefore, when it comes to the ballot box, the decision of whom to support is not just a political choice but a profound statement of values, hopes, and visions for the community’s progress. It is within this context that voting for Donald Trump presents a complex and arguably untenable option for many African and African-American citizens. In examining policies, rhetoric, and the impacts on the community, we find compelling arguments against casting a vote in favor of Trump.
At the core of the hesitation for African and African-American voters to support Trump are concerns regarding his administration’s policies and their consequences on communities of color. The Trump administration has been criticized for rolling back civil rights protections, which invariably affects African and African-American communities disproportionately (ACLU, 2020). The decision to dismantle Obama-era initiatives designed to combat systemic racism in housing and education signify a troubling disinterest in addressing the structural barriers that impede racial equality and equity (NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., 2018).
Moreover, Trump’s stand on criminal justice has been one of ‘law and order’, often at the expense of progress in addressing the racial disparities within the criminal justice system. His reversal of policies aimed at decreasing the federal prison population and reducing harsh sentencing, particularly for nonviolent drug offenses, raises concerns about perpetuating a system that has incarcerated African American men at disproportionate rates (Brennan Center for Justice, 2017).
Another critical point of divergence between Trump’s platform and the interests of African and African-American voters is the administration’s stance on voting rights. Voter suppression tactics such as strict voter ID laws, cuts to early voting, and purges of voter rolls tend to disenfranchise minority voters. Trump has repeatedly made unfounded claims about widespread voter fraud, which only serves to justify such suppressive measures and undermine the integrity of the democratic process (ACLU, 2020).
Economically, while the Trump administration has touted low unemployment numbers for African-Americans, critics argue that this does not tell the whole story. Wage stagnation, a rising cost of living, and persistent wealth gaps remain significant challenges. Trump’s tax reforms have been criticized for disproportionately benefiting the wealthiest Americans, leaving behind many African-American families who still struggle to gain economic ground (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 2019).
But perhaps one of the most cited reasons for African and African-American voters to reject Trump can be found in his rhetoric and its implications for the country’s racial climate. The rhetoric employed by Trump has often been divisive and, at times, incendiary. Terms like “shithole countries” referring to African nations, equivocating during the Charlottesville white supremacist rally, and constant attacks on prominent minority figures have sowed discord and have been widely perceived as giving tacit support to white supremacist ideologies (The New York Times, 2018).
When it comes to the well-being of African and African-American communities, policies around healthcare also assume great significance. The Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act without a clear replacement plan threaten to leave millions of African-Americans without health insurance coverage, thereby exacerbating existing health disparities (The Commonwealth Fund, 2018). Healthcare access remains a key determinant in the quality of life and freedom from the affliction of preventable diseases.
The arguments outlined above are not simply policy critiques; they go to the heart of why voting for Trump does not align with the interests and values of many in the African and African-American communities. Every voter must take into account the array of impacts a candidate’s leadership might have not only on their own lives but on the society as a whole. When those impacts seem to disproportionately undercut the achievements, rights, and dignity of a particular community, it becomes a moral and civic imperative to consider alternatives.
In conclusion, while the agency to vote as one sees fit is the fundamental right of every American, the points raised here offer a robust case as to why Donald Trump’s candidacy and presidency have been fraught with challenges and concerns for African and American-African communities. The history and lived experience of African-Americans render the fight for equality, justice, representation, and respect non-negotiable. Given the policy directions, the economic implications, the attacks on civil rights and voting accessibility, the divisive rhetoric, and the severe consequences for healthcare accessibility under the Trump administration, it becomes evident that the interests and the welfare of African and African-American individuals and communities may not be adequately served by a Trump presidency. It is within the delicate balance of these critical factors that the decision at the voting booth takes on its profound significance. As the democratic process unfolds, it remains the responsibility of the informed voter to cast a ballot that resonates with the call for progress and justice echoing through generations. Voting for Trump, as this essay suggests, would be antithetical to the aspiration for a more equitable and inclusive America—an aspiration that is deeply rooted in the constitutional promise of liberty and justice for all.
Lavelle Eagle is the assistant editor of BROTHA MAGAZINE.