Ben Carson rebuked for defending Trump's Black jobs remark in debate, saying ex-prez could've 'phrased it better'

WASHINGTON, DC: Ben Carson, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under Donald Trump's administration, tried to defend the former president's remarks on "Black jobs" during the first presidential debate on June 27.

The 45th president made the racist rhetoric during his first face-off with President Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential race.

Responding to a question on his appeal to Black voters, Trump said, "The fact is that [Biden's] big kill on the Black people is the millions of people that he's allowed to come in through the border. They're taking Black jobs now — and it could be 18, it could be 19, and even 20 million people. They're taking Black jobs, and they're taking Hispanic jobs, and you haven't seen it yet, but you're gonna see something that's going to be the worst in our history," according to ABC News.

The ex-president's use of the term "Black jobs" generated outrage from Black commentators who noted the remark indicated Trump viewed Black people as suitable only for low-wage and menial labor.

Ben Carson attempts to defend Donald Trump's 'Black jobs' remark

Ben Carson, who was one of the top Black officials in Donald Trump's administration, tried to defend the Republican presumptive nominee despite being uncomfortable with the racist language, as per Raw Story.

In an interview on CNN on Friday, June 28, Carson was shown the clip where Trump made the remark. Host Phil Mattingly pointed out that the current rate of Black unemployment was the lowest in history, adding, "My question for you is, do you know what a 'Black job' is?"

Admitting he knew what Trump was talking about, the former cabinet member said, "He's talking about people at the lower end of the economic scale, and that those frequently unskilled jobs or taken by people who come in here illegally, making them unavailable for our people. That's basically what he's saying. And probably could have been phrased in a better way."

However, he tried to defend the former president's remarks that undermined the Black community, suggesting one should ask about the meaning of what Trump said instead of picking it apart. He indicated that people read too much into the issue without paying attention to the person's actions.

Weighing in on the presidential debate, Carson said he was glad about it since people only took news from a single source with which they agreed philosophically. "People need to hear other sides, and people need to begin to understand that just because somebody is in disagreement with you, doesn't make them your enemy," he stated.

Internet blasts Ben Carson for defending Donald Trump's 'Black jobs' remark

Netizens criticized Ben Carson's attempt to shield Donald Trump following his racist rhetoric against Blacks in the presidential debate.

"Oh wow he really put himself out there!!!! Spineless!!," a user wrote.

"The only way it could’ve been phrased better is if it was never said," another remarked.

"Yeah, it must be really uncomfortable to defend the indefensible. I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes," added a user.

"But he'll still vote for him. It's a cult," read one response.

"Still defending Trump, even though Trump has effectively said to take his dreams of being VP and shove them," another person said.

"Nonsense, Ben. You wholeheartedly, blindly, serve Trump. He's your guy. That's what he thinks of you and you'll support that just like you support all his other racist words and actions," someone else opined.

"How should one phrase one's racism so that it is acceptable to you, Ben?" an individual asked.

"Jesus, this guy again? Is he hoping for another office to spend ridiculous amounts of taxpayer dollars decorating?" another user wrote.

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