Michaelah Montgomery, a Trump supporter who garnered media attention for hugging the former president during his visit to an Atlanta Chick-fil-A, criticized mainstream media for distorting the perception of Trump’s popularity among black voters. Montgomery expressed that Trump was welcomed and supported by attendees from historically black colleges and universities, contrary to the narrative often portrayed by the media. She highlighted the positive reception Trump received, including excitement and support from those present at the event, which included students from various local HBCUs in Atlanta.
Despite the negative portrayal of Trump’s popularity among black voters in the media, Montgomery emphasized that many black individuals support the former president due to his authenticity and clear communication regarding his agenda. She shared that a New York Times/Siena poll revealed a significant increase in black voter support for Trump, rising to 23% in February from just 4% in October 2020. Montgomery attributed this shift to Trump’s perceived honesty, directness, and relatability to the black community, indicating that many appreciate his straightforward approach and transparency in sharing his plans and strategies.
In contrast, President Biden is facing declining support among black voters, with a USA Today/Suffolk University poll showing his backing dropping to 63% from 92% in the 2020 presidential election. Montgomery criticized Biden for his previous actions as a U.S. senator, accusing him of contributing to the oppression of the black community through policies that disproportionately affected black individuals, including incarceration rates. She highlighted Biden’s record in locking up many individuals from the black community, suggesting that his actions as a senator did not benefit or support black Americans in any meaningful way.
Montgomery pointed out that urban media outlets have been instrumental in shaping negative perceptions about Trump among black voters, suggesting that these outlets have attempted to turn black individuals against those who express support for the former president. She highlighted the importance of individuals making informed decisions and forming their own opinions rather than being influenced by biased media coverage. Montgomery also highlighted the impact of the media in distorting perceptions of individuals and situations, particularly when portraying young black students exploring alternative viewpoints and options.
Trump’s visit to the Atlanta Chick-fil-A allowed Montgomery and others to express their support for the former president directly to him, underscoring the positive reception he received from attendees during the event. Montgomery shared her appreciation for the opportunity to convey a message of support and solidarity to Trump, despite the negative narratives perpetuated by the media. She emphasized the importance of authenticity, honesty, and clear communication in political leadership, noting that many black voters resonate with Trump’s approach and messaging, which they believe to be genuine and relatable compared to Biden’s actions and policies.
