A Fox News contributor has stirred up national controversy this week after making the baffling claim that more Black Americans will vote for Trump because of their love for sneakers.
Strange Claims on Weekend Show
Fox News pundit Raymond Arroyo made headlines on Sunday after taking to the BIig Weekend Show to claim that more Black Americans will support Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign because “they love sneakers.”
Trump at Sneakercon
The bizarre claim followed the news of the former president’s appearance at SneakerCon, an annual international event for sneaker enthusiasts.
Limited Edition Presidential Sneakers
During his appearance, Trump debuted a pair of limited-edition $399 gold sneakers decorated with an American flag motif and an embossed ‘T’ for Trump.
He called them the “Never Surrender High Top Sneaker.”
Unexpected Business Move
While many have expressed mockery and confusion over the GOP favorite selling designer streetwear, Arroyo emphatically defended the decision.
He “Understands Culture”
He claimed that many Black Americans would likely defect from the Democratic party and vote for Trump instead, who he claimed “understands culture.”
He displayed his skill at “connecting with Black America” at the sneaker convention.
“They Love Sneakers!”
“This is connecting with Black America because they love sneakers! They’re into sneakers! They love the you know, this is a big deal, certainly in the inner city,” Arroyo told co-host Tomi Lahren.
“So when you have Trump roll out his sneaker line, they’re like, “Wait a minute, this is cool!”
On Another Level
“He’s reaching them on a level that defies and is above politics,” Arroyo continued.
“The culture always trumps politics, and Trump understands culture like no politician I’ve ever seen.”
How It Translates in the Polls
Though Lahren did not comment on the racial stereotyping inherent in his comments, she did provide some pushback on the idea that buying Trump-themed sneakers would translate to any significant polling from the Black voter base.
Commitment and Affection
But Arroyo shared his belief that anyone buying Trump’s sneakers signaled a sign of “commitment” to and “affection” for Trump.
“It’s Something”
“Yeah, I think that’s commitment and love. It’s something,” Arroyo responded. “It’s for people who want Donald Trump brand sneakers that, again, he’s connecting on a different level.”
Support for Biden Drops
He also made an observation of “Black support eroding from Joe Biden” via social media.
Some Support Online
Arroyo’s comments stirred up plenty of criticism online, but not everyone disagreed with his broad and potentially offensive statements.
“I’m Rocking With Trump”
Peezy, a popular Black rapper and Youtuber, made his own video showing support for Trump’s new sneaker line, telling his viewers, ‘F*** Joe Biden, I’m rocking with Trump.’
Sold Out Sneakers
So far, the limited edition line of sneakers has sold out in a matter of hours after going on sale, though the demographic of buyers cannot be confirmed.
Across Demographics
While it’s unclear if Trump had Black voters in mind when sponsoring the new sneaker line, it’s apparent that he has considered reaching out to the majority Democrat voter base in the lead-up to the elections.
A Kindred Spirit?
At an event in South Carolina last week, Trump claimed that his current bid for re-election is receiving increased support from Black Americans because he understands how it feels to be discriminated against.
Unusual Comparisons
During the event, he compared his felony counts and legal indictments to the history of racial discrimination that Black people have experienced in America.
“I Got Indicted for Nothing”
“I got indicted for nothing, for something that is nothing,” he told the audience of supporters. “And a lot of people said that’s why the Black people like me, because they have been hurt so badly and discriminated against.”
Media Director Speaks Out
But not everyone agrees. Jasmine Harris, the media director for the Biden-Harris 2024 campaign, who is also a Black woman, has lambasted Trump’s declarations in a public statement.
Trump’s Past Comments
“This is the same man who falsely accused the Central Park 5, questioned George Floyds humanity, compared his own impeachment trial to being lynched, and ensured the unemployment gap for Black workers spiked during his presidency,” Harris said.
“We Know Who He Is”
“Come November, no matter how many disingenuous voter engagement events he attends, Black Americans will show Donald Trump we know exactly who he is,” she concluded.
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The post Trump’s Sneaker Strategy: A New Pitch for Black Voters’ Support, Says Fox Host first appeared on From Frugal to Free.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Evan El-Amin.
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