Maxine Waters Claims Trump Pardoning Rappers Is One Reason For His Growing Support Among Black Men

Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters of California dismissed growing support for former President Donald Trump among black men during a Friday CNN appearance.

Trump, who garnered 12% support from black voters according to a 2020 CNN exit poll, receives higher support from black voters in polls by CBS and Fox News, particularly among black men. Waters claimed that the pardons of rappers like Lil Wayne explained why “hip hop” entertainers were backing the former president.

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“It’s only a small segment. You’re talking about more the hip-hop segment of the black males that they talk about maybe talking about supporting Trump,” Waters told “CNN News Central” co-hosts Sara Sidner and John Berman. “It’s not a huge number. Some of those, of course, you know, Trump has pardoned some of those who have been in prison, like Lil Wayne, and I say to people, look, if you’re in prison and somebody pardons you, say thank you.”

“And I don‘t know what all else went into that, but after you say thank you and do whatever it is you do to appreciate the pardon, then you say, ‘But I‘ve got to say goodbye. I‘ve got to be with the people who understand what is necessary for everybody to have a decent quality of life,’” Waters continued.