Former Trump Aide Urges Focus on Economic Issues to Win Black Votes

A top Republican activist in Chicago's South Side says former President Trump should prioritize addressing inflation, job creation, and entrepreneurship to gain support from Black voters.

Former President Donald Trump should focus on economic issues such as inflation, job creation, and entrepreneurship to gain more support from Black voters, according to a top Republican activist in Chicago's South Side.

Devin Jones, chairman of the Southside Republicans, said these issues are much more important to Black voters, particularly men, than social issues like abortion.

Former Trump Aide Urges Focus on Economic Issues to Win Black Votes

"I think if the Trump campaign definitely hit harder on the issues that specifically impact the Black community, for instance, inflation, which has made it harder to afford basic necessities, I think there is a jobs crisis, unemployment and an entrepreneurship crisis in the Black community," Jones told Fox News Digital.

Trump has previously expressed confidence in his ability to earn more Black votes in the upcoming election, despite historically low levels of support among this demographic.

Former Trump Aide Urges Focus on Economic Issues to Win Black Votes

During his first term, Trump initiated several programs aimed at Black voters, including opportunity zones and funding for historically Black colleges.

Jones said that while Chicago is a "progressive area," many Black residents are facing economic challenges due to excessive regulation and taxation at the state and local levels.

Former Trump Aide Urges Focus on Economic Issues to Win Black Votes

"So, I think if he could speak to how at the federal level he would be a partner to us as we fight against local overreach, that would go a long way to capturing kind of those on the fence and even some Black Democrats," Jones said.

He also argued that addressing economic issues would indirectly reduce the number of abortions by providing more opportunities for families to provide for themselves.

Former Trump Aide Urges Focus on Economic Issues to Win Black Votes

"Abortion is an issue because the vast majority of abortions are because of financial issues," Jones said. "So, if you remedy the lack of economic opportunity and ability to provide for families, you will see a decrease in abortion."

Jones acknowledged that he personally supports a strict anti-abortion stance but believes that focusing on economic empowerment is more effective in reducing abortions.

Trump's recent comments on Florida's Amendment 4, which would enshrine a constitutional right to abortion in the state, have drawn criticism from some pro-life advocates. However, Jones believes that Trump's opposition to the amendment could help blunt that criticism.

Florida voters will decide on Amendment 4 in November.

Jones's views are consistent with recent research showing that economic concerns are a more significant factor for Black voters than social issues. A 2020 Pew Research Center study found that 64% of Black voters said the economy was their top concern, while only 23% mentioned social issues.

By focusing on economic issues, Trump could potentially increase his appeal to Black voters and improve his chances of electoral success.