Share on FacebookFormer President Donald Trump made headlines with a stop at a Chick-fil-A in Atlanta, where he was greeted by a group of young Black supporters. While the moment seemed spontaneous, it was actually coordinated by conservative activists and students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
The Strategy Behind the Visit
Trump’s campaign has been trying to attract more Black voters, arguing that his policies on the economy and immigration could appeal to them. However, Biden’s team dismissed the visit as a publicity stunt.
One of the key organizers was Michaelah Montgomery, a conservative activist and founder of Conserve the Culture. She alerted students in a private group chat, and by Wednesday morning, a group had gathered at the restaurant to meet Trump.
“People act like we just happened to be there and he bought us milkshakes,” Montgomery said. “That’s not the case.”
Mixed Reactions
Supporters saw the visit as proof that Trump is making inroads with Black voters. Bill White, a businessman who helped plan the event, called it “a resounding success.”
However, critics weren’t convinced. Biden campaign spokesperson Jasmine Harris dismissed the event, saying, “Handing out freebies at a fast food restaurant doesn’t mean real outreach.”
Meanwhile, some students in the viral videos faced backlash from peers, with accusations that they had “disrespected their ancestors.”
What the Polls Say
Despite efforts like this, Trump still struggles with Black voters. A March poll from AP-NORC found 55% of Black Americans approve of Biden’s presidency, while Trump’s favorability sits at just 25%.
As the 2024 election nears, both candidates are working to win over this key voting bloc—but whether Trump’s strategy will shift the numbers remains to be seen.
