Trump Faces Criticism Over Economy From Black Americans/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Donald Trump’s economic promises to Black voters have failed to deliver since his return to office. Black unemployment and homeownership are declining, while wealth inequality is widening. His policies, including layoffs and tariffs, face growing scrutiny from Black leaders and economists.
Trump’s Black Voter Promises + Quick Looks
- Trump gained modest Black voter support in the 2024 election.
- Since taking office, Black unemployment has risen to 7.5%.
- Black homeownership is down, and median income dropped 3.3%.
- Federal job cuts disproportionately impacted Black workers.
- Trump blames Biden’s DEI agenda, citing wealth decline trends.
- Critics say Trump’s tariffs and cuts target vulnerable communities.
- Black mayors call out Trump’s plans to deploy National Guard.
- Trump’s shift in focus to ICE raids and redistricting fuels backlash.
- Polls show Black voters are stressed about wages and affordability.
Deep Look: Trump’s Economic Agenda Falters Among Black Voters Amid Worsening Inequality
President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025 with a promise: economic relief and restoration of prosperity for Black Americans. Citing inflation, immigration, and global trade as key disruptors under the Biden administration, Trump vowed that his leadership would reverse the tide.
However, nearly nine months into his term, data shows that Black Americans are economically worse off, and key indicators like unemployment, homeownership, and median income have all declined. The trends not only undercut Trump’s campaign promises, but also present political risks ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Economic Warning Signs for Black Households
At a rally just before the 2024 election, Trump warned that Black Americans were “losing their jobs at numbers we’ve never seen before.” It was a stark claim, designed to paint his re-election as an economic necessity.
But since taking office, Black unemployment has jumped from 6.2% to 7.5%, reaching its highest point since late 2021. According to Redfin, Black homeownership is now at its lowest level in four years. Meanwhile, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that median Black household income fell by 3.3% in 2024, dropping to $56,020 — a figure that trails white households by over $36,000.
Experts say these trends are not isolated but part of a broader economic shift hitting vulnerable communities first.
“Black Americans are often the canary in the coal mine,” said Angela Hanks, a policy expert and former official in the Labor Department. “What impacts Black workers today could hit the broader economy tomorrow.”
Trump Administration Shifts Blame to Biden, DEI
The White House attributes the worsening numbers to policies enacted under former President Joe Biden, specifically pointing to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. White House spokesperson Kush Desai argued that Biden’s economic agenda had reduced the Black share of household wealth by nearly 25%.
“Biden’s inflationary policies froze out Black homebuyers,” Desai said, also blaming open-border policies for wage competition.
Yet critics argue that Trump’s economic policies — including deep federal layoffs, tariffs, and budget cuts — have actively harmed the very workers he vowed to protect. Government jobs, which are a reliable source of middle-class income for Black families, have seen significant cuts. These layoffs are disproportionately affecting Black Americans, according to labor analysts.
Frustration Rising Among Black Voters
Many Black voters who previously supported or considered Trump now express frustration over his actions. Josh Garrett, a 30-year-old from Florida, said he didn’t vote in 2024 because he couldn’t find a candidate he trusted — and he’s disappointed in Trump’s focus on cutting federal jobs.
“How are you for the American people if you’re laying them off?” he asked. “People have families and bills.”
Data from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that more than half of Black adults (52%) now say wages are a major source of stress, a higher rate than among white or overall U.S. adults.
Policy Focus Shifts From Economy to Control
Critics say Trump has redirected his focus from economic recovery to increased deportations, government downsizing, and electoral control. He has floated plans to deploy the National Guard to cities like Chicago, New Orleans, and Baltimore — all led by Black mayors — under the pretext of restoring order.
He has also advocated for redrawing congressional districts to favor Republican outcomes, a move that could weaken Black political representation in key states. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott denounced these policies as racially motivated.
“The message is clear,” Scott said. “They don’t believe we are capable of solving our own problems because of how we look.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s efforts to reshape the narrative around slavery and civil rights — including limiting the scope of Smithsonian exhibits — have drawn criticism from Black leaders and historians alike.
A Narrow Political Window for Redemption
Despite these setbacks, Trump did make modest inroads with Black voters in 2024. He won 16% of the Black vote, doubling his 2020 performance, largely due to dissatisfaction with inflation and rising costs. Among Black voters, concern about the economy rose sharply, from 11% in 2020 to 36% in 2024.
Still, experts say that momentum is at risk. “Trump had a mandate to improve the economy for the middle class — including Black Americans,” said Alexsis Rodgers of The Black Futures Lab. “But instead, the focus has shifted to ICE raids and cuts that make it harder for families to get by.”
Rodgers warns that if Trump cannot address the economic anxiety facing Black households, it may cost Republicans dearly in 2026 — not only in House seats but potentially in key Senate races.
Family Structure or Economic Policy?
Some conservatives point to family structure as a contributing factor to income disparity. Delano Squires, a fellow at The Heritage Foundation, argued that married households tend to be more financially stable, and that fewer Black families fall into that category.
But even among married Black households, economic pressures are increasing, especially as federal programs face cuts and job stability declines.
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