3rd Anniversary of Inauguration Coincides with Martin Luther King Day, Leading to Self-Congratulation on Black Unemployment Rate
Initial Ignoring Strategy Changed Since Last Year
Black Support Needed Ahead of Presidential Election
Community Service Still Omitted
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] On the 20th (local time), marking the third anniversary of his inauguration, U.S. President Donald Trump sought to win over Black public opinion on 'Martin Luther King Day.' He made an unannounced visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, a symbol of the civil rights movement. Some interpret this move as an attempt to sway public opinion just one day before the Senate impeachment trial against him.
President Donald Trump visited the King Memorial in Washington DC with Vice President Mike Pence and laid a wreath. CNN reported it as an "unscheduled, unannounced visit."
On his Twitter, Trump emphasized the coincidence of his presidential inauguration anniversary and Martin Luther King Day, boasting, "Today is the day I was inaugurated 3 years ago. Also, it is Martin Luther King Day. Currently, Black unemployment is at an all-time low."
This is not the first time President Trump has honored Martin Luther King Day. Last year, he also paid respects at the King Memorial in Washington DC.
However, in 2017, just before his inauguration, he had a verbal dispute with Congressman John Lewis, a symbol of the Black civil rights movement alongside Martin Luther King Jr., and in 2018, he spent Martin Luther King Day at his own resort. Ignoring the tradition of past U.S. presidents laying wreaths on the memorial day and instead playing golf, President Trump's image caused Black public sentiment to cool.
Therefore, interpretations suggest that President Trump's actions on Martin Luther King Day last year and this year carry significant meaning. He is currently facing an impeachment trial and the presidential election is scheduled for November. On this day, White House advisor Kellyanne Conway told reporters, "If it were Martin Luther King, he would have opposed the impeachment of President Trump."
President Trump, who was elected based on White support in the last election, now needs Black support for this election. Democratic front-runner former Vice President Joe Biden continues his campaign based on high Black support. Recently, he visited a Black Baptist church. According to Fox News, only 4% responded that President Trump has a positive impact on Black lives.
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