Trump's BLM Endorsement Sparks Controversy

Republicans and BLM officials criticize Trump's acceptance of endorsement from unaffiliated BLM advocate.

Former President Donald Trump has welcomed an endorsement from a Black Lives Matter (BLM) advocate, Mark Fisher, despite previously describing the social movement as 'a symbol of hate.'
Fisher had described himself as a leader and co-founder of the organization Black Lives Matter of Rhode Island, although a spokesperson for the group said Fisher is 'no longer affiliated with BLM RI.'
Trump's post sparked backlash from several Republicans online, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who often polls as Trump's closest competitor for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination.
Supporters of DeSantis' campaign also criticized the former president, including DeSantis' press secretary, Bryan Griffin, who wrote that Trump's praise for BLM is a sign he would 'make the same mistakes all over again' if elected to the White House for a second term.
BLM's official account also dismissed Fisher's so-called endorsement, writing: 'To be clear, Donald Trump is a terrorist who committed treason and tried to subvert American democracy. He is no friend to Black people seeking to live in a just society. And we in NO WAY support him.'