Black Republicans Put Pressure on Trump, Feeling Left Out After He Refused to Meet Their Demands

President-elect Donald Trump has not chosen any Black Republicans for his cabinet yet, and this has left some Black members of the GOP feeling disappointed and excluded. According to a report from ABC News, several Black Republican strategists and operatives have expressed frustration about being overlooked, especially since most of Trump’s high-profile cabinet picks so far have gone to white allies.

One Black Republican pointed out a troubling pattern from Trump’s first term: the tendency to assign Black appointees to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In his first term, Trump appointed Ben Carson, a Black Republican, as HUD secretary. Critics argue this move reinforced the stereotype that Black people are only suited for certain roles.

“Why is every Black person given HUD?” one Republican operative asked, calling it “the literal Black job of the administration.” They want to see Black Republicans considered for more diverse and influential roles across the government.

Some strategists are also surprised that Trump hasn’t picked Black Republicans for roles like assistant to the president, which they see as a key position for driving influence inside the White House. Reflecting on Trump’s first term, one strategist noted, “Does Trump want his only legacy of having a Black assistant to the president for two terms to be Omarosa?” Omarosa Manigault Newman served in Trump’s administration but left under controversial circumstances, which added to the criticism.

Another issue raised by Black Republicans is the fear of public backlash. One GOP operative explained that they are hesitant to publicly advocate for more Black conservatives in the administration because they fear being attacked by left-wing critics who might accuse them of supporting “diversity hires.”

“I can’t even tweet that we need more Black conservatives,” they said. “If I do, the left will say it’s just about DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion], which they criticize as tokenism.”

The lack of diversity in Trump’s cabinet picks is reigniting conversations about the Republican Party’s commitment to inclusion. Critics argue that failing to prioritize diverse leadership sends the wrong message to Black voters and Black conservatives who already face challenges within the party.

This issue is especially important as the GOP works to broaden its appeal to a wider range of Americans. For Black Republicans, representation in Trump’s administration isn’t just about diversity—it’s about having a seat at the table and influencing the decisions that affect all Americans.

If Trump doesn’t address these concerns, he risks alienating a key group of supporters within his party, making it harder for the GOP to present itself as a party that truly represents everyone. For now, many Black Republicans are watching and waiting to see if Trump’s upcoming cabinet picks will reflect a more inclusive vision.