Black Community Leaders Reveal Their Top Trump VP Choices

Some of them were once loyal Democrats.

Republican presidential candidate President Donald J. Trump speaks at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Va., on March 2, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

A coalition of black American community leaders held a “Black Patriots for Trump Rally” in the Bronx on May 18.

Many of the people who spoke at the rally and talked to The Epoch Times are from New York and New Jersey. They said they feel that politicians have neglected some predominantly black neighborhoods where crime is rampant, and are frustrated by seeing no hope of improvement unless big changes are implemented.

Some of them who were once loyal Democrats have decided to support former President Donald Trump, and hope to see a black vice president who can provide their communities with real change.

President Trump said there is a “good chance” he will reveal his vice presidential choice at the GOP convention in July.

According to a Harvard CAPS/Harris poll conducted May 15–16, the top three picks for vice president are Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis with 12 percent, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) with 9 percent, and Vivek Ramaswamy with 8 percent. The poll also noted that 46 percent of black Americans approve of the job President Trump did as president.

Tim Scott

Community advocate Kevin Jenkins shared his endorsement of Mr. Scott as President Trump’s vice presidential candidate for the 2024 election.

Mr. Jenkins, who has been at the forefront of organizing rallies and advocating for political change, said he believes that Mr. Scott is the right choice to unite and represent all Americans.

Mr. Jenkins recently helped organize a rally in the Bronx, bringing together Latinos, black Americans, and people from various backgrounds to express their frustration with the Democratic Party.

“We believe Trump is the leader who can challenge the corporatocracy and globalist agendas to protect the interests of all Americans,” Mr. Jenkins stated.

When asked about the significance of having a black vice president and a black female press secretary, Mr. Jenkins dismissed it as mere tokenism.

“Black faces in high places have not always been good for us,” he said.

Mr. Jenkins emphasized that these individuals do not necessarily understand or represent the struggles of black Americans, highlighting the need for leaders who genuinely connect with and advocate for their communities.

He believes that Mr. Scott’s leadership could unify the nation and enhance President Trump’s appeal across different demographics.

“Tim Scott would help bring black Americans and the rest of the country together,” Mr. Jenkins said.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) endorses Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald J. Trump (L) during a campaign event in Concord, N.H., on Jan. 19, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

Looking ahead, Mr. Jenkins said he anticipates a busy summer filled with more rallies, discussions, and events in black communities to rally support for President Trump.

Ben Carson

Community advocate Chris Wright voiced his support for Dr. Ben Carson as a potential vice presidential candidate. Mr. Wright is known for his YouTube channel where he posts videos about leaving the Democratic Party and being a conservative Trump supporter.

Mr. Wright said he sees Dr. Carson, the former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, as a unifying force who can bridge divides and bring Americans together.

“Carson embodies the values of integrity, compassion, and unity,” Mr. Wright stated. “We need leadership that truly speaks to the needs of all Americans.”

“Black Americans are tired of being pigeonholed into one political ideology,” he added.

Mr. Wright stressed the importance of leaders who prioritize the concerns of all Americans, regardless of party affiliation.

(L-R) Republican presidential hopefuls Marco Rubio, Donald Trump, Ben Carson, and Carly Fiorina look on during the CNBC Republican Presidential Debate at the Coors Event Center at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colo., on Oct. 28, 2015. Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

He said Dr. Carson could be the “yin” to President Trump’s “yang,” saying that Dr. Carson could help counterbalance President Trump’s occasional “brashness.”

In this context, “yin” refers to a force that is more passive, calm, and thoughtful, while “yang” represents a force that is more active, assertive, and dynamic. The comparison suggests that Dr. Carson could provide a balance to President Trump’s assertive style with his more measured and thoughtful approach.

Mr. Wright said he believes Dr. Carson’s background as a renowned neurosurgeon, and his life experiences, resonate with a broad swath of Americans.

“Carson brings a unique perspective and genuine empathy to the table,” Mr. Wright noted.

As the 2024 election approaches, Mr. Wright said he anticipates continued activism and engagement within communities. He pointed toward the importance of connecting with other leaders to amplify their collective voice and effect meaningful change.

Byron Donalds

Community advocate Lattina Brown voiced her support for Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) as the ideal vice presidential candidate for President Trump. Ms. Brown, a registered Democrat, has become an outspoken supporter of President Trump, citing her dissatisfaction with the current Democrat leadership and her desire for substantial policy changes.

Ms. Brown’s endorsement of Mr. Donalds is based on her admiration for his awareness of what she thinks are correct policies, as well as his leadership qualities.

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) and other lawmakers speak during a visit to the George Washington University campus during protests in Washington on May 1, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

“Byron Donalds is a very smart, educated man. He’s a wonderful leader who is very good at policies and can dissect every single one,” she stated.

Ms. Brown sees Mr. Donalds as a bridge between the Trump campaign and younger demographics.

“He’s very good with numbers, he’s a people person who speaks very well, and he’s very relatable to the younger generation. He connects very well with the millennials and Generation Z and I think that'll be a huge game changer for Mr. Donald Trump if he was to have him as VP.”

Vivek Ramaswamy

Sidelle Sydney, an advocate and co-founder of Conservative Blacks of New Jersey, said she thinks Vivek Ramaswamy would be the best vice presidential pick for President Trump.

“Vivek would be a great person on the debate stage with Kamala Harris. They both cannot play identity policies in their situation. And it will really expose a lot of how overused identity politics is. She would have no reason to complain or find an excuse. ... Both their families immigrated here,” Ms. Sydney said.

Ms. Sydney said Mr. Ramaswamy could make a lot of people change their minds if he is able to confront Ms. Harris.

Former President Donald Trump greets U.S. entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy while speaking during a campaign rally at the Atkinson Country Club in Atkinson, N.H., on Jan. 16, 2024. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Lilly Robinson, an executive assistant and also a co-founder of the New Jersey group, would like to see Mr. Scott as President Trump’s running mate.

“I think that [Mr. Scott] has strong Christian values, plus he is a black American, so I feel like that'll bring in a lot more black Americans and conservative Christians to the Republican Party. I feel like right now, a lot of black people, and just Christians in general, are heavily Democratic,” Ms. Robinson said.

“Seeing someone like Tim, who could represent us would be helpful, I feel like he could have a lot of pull,” she noted.