Trump’s claim that he’s done more for black Americans than any president since Lincoln

“My Admin has done more for the Black Community than any President since Abraham Lincoln. Passed Opportunity Zones with @SenatorTimScott, guaranteed funding for HBCU’s, School Choice, passed Criminal Justice Reform, lowest Black unemployment, poverty, and crime rates in history.”

— President Trump, in a tweet, June 2, 2020

“My administration is delivering for African Americans like never before. No President has done more for our black community.”

— Trump, in a campaign rally, March 2

Depending on the day, President Trump likes to declare he has done more for African Americans than any other president — or, he might concede, since Abraham Lincoln. Five times since the start of the year Trump has asserted this, so it’s clear we need to address it in detail.

In his most recent tweet, Trump pointed to specific achievements to bolster his claim, so we will see how this stands up to the work of previous presidents.

The Facts

Lincoln, of course, freed the slaves and pressed for passage of constitutional amendments to give them equal status under the law. It’s hard to top those achievements. Continue reading.