In an unexpected twist, David Hilliard, a former leader of the Black Panther Party, has come forward in support of Donald Trump. Hilliard, who has known Trump since the 1960s, described him as a “decent man” and a friend to African Americans in a TikTok video. This endorsement comes at a critical time as Trump prepares for the 2024 presidential election.

Hilliard’s relationship with Trump began when Trump was a college student in New York City. He recalled, “Trump is a person who’s a decent man, and he supported the Black Panther Party. He was someone who gave us money.” Hilliard firmly stated that Trump has always been a supporter of the African American community and refuted claims that Trump is racist.

This endorsement is significant given the ongoing allegations of racism against Trump. Critics frequently point to Trump’s past actions, such as his calls for the death penalty for the Central Park Five, his involvement in the birther movement against Barack Obama, and accusations of discrimination in housing. Despite these controversies, Hilliard maintains that Trump is not a racist and has been unfairly targeted due to his support for black people.

The endorsement from a former Black Panther leader is indicative of a broader trend of increasing black voter support for Trump. While he is not expected to win a majority of the African American vote, even a slight increase in support from this group could have a substantial impact on the election outcome.

As the campaign season progresses, Hilliard’s endorsement underscores the shifting dynamics of voter support and the importance of individual endorsements. Trump’s relationship with the African American community, as highlighted by Hilliard, may play a crucial role in shaping voter perceptions and decisions in the 2024 election.