Trump’s Black Cabinet?

 By XXX

Special to RNR

It is surprising that we did not foresee the current state of affairs regarding representation in the Trump administration. This opinion piece examines the troubling absence of Black individuals in key positions, which raises significant concerns about the inclusivity of his administration. While I do not claim to be an authority on political matters, it appears that the selections made thus far reflect an exclusive "good ol' boys' club" that systematically excludes Black voices. Given that Trump received approximately 20 percent of the Black vote, it is reasonable to expect at least 10% of his appointments to reflect this demographic.

What is particularly disconcerting is not only the administration's apparent lack of effort to include Black representation but also the muted response from the 20 percent of Black voters who supported him. Personally, I reserve my outrage, as I have never cast a vote for Trump—not out of allegiance to the Democratic Party, but because I perceive him as the embodiment of double standards and white privilege.

Furthermore, the ongoing lack of diversity in his appointments raises significant concerns. If a Black individual were to exhibit even a fraction of Trump's behavior, the societal repercussions would be severe and swift. This stark contrast highlights deep-rooted inequities and systemic biases that persist in our society. The lack of diversity in leadership roles suggests that the 20 percent of Black voters may have sought inclusion in a predominantly white power structure, rather than advocating for genuine representation and equity. This tendency has infiltrated the Black community since desegregation, where some individuals seem to prioritize the perception of being valued by whites over the reality of their status as Black Americans. Sadly, many still do not perceive us as equals.

I sincerely hope that the choices made by this administration serve as a wake-up call for the Black community, prompting us to recognize our identity and unity. We must cease our attempts to integrate into a system that has historically marginalized us and instead focus on building our own foundations. This is not a call for separation or animosity towards white individuals; rather, I have moved beyond the notion that white people are solely responsible for our challenges. Instead, I see the damage we inflict upon ourselves—manifested in issues such as Black-on-Black crime, a "crabs in a barrel" mentality, and a lack of mutual support within our communities.

My intention is not to disparage my community but to illuminate these pressing issues. Over the next four years, we must hold Trump accountable to the same standards we applied to Obama and Biden. If we find ourselves with nothing to show for this administration—an outcome many believe was the case under previous leadership—we must clarify our voices and our votes moving forward. I fear that the 20 percent who voted for Trump may have been viewed merely as low-hanging fruit—an audience he neither cared for nor expected to engage meaningfully.

If anyone believes I am mistaken in my assessment, I welcome factual evidence to the contrary. Thus far, his appointments have predominantly been white, with only minimal representation of other nationalities and a conspicuous absence of Black individuals. It is imperative that we demand greater accountability and representation, ensuring that our voices are heard and valued in the political landscape. Only through collective action can we hope to effect meaningful change and dismantle the barriers that continue to hinder our progress.