Internet slams Trump for describing North Carolina Lt Gov Mark Robinson as 'Martin Luther King on steroids'

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA: Donald Trump sparked controversy on Saturday, March 2, when he endorsed North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson for governor, drawing parallels between him and civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.

The ex-POTUS' support came during a pre-Super Tuesday rally at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, where he hailed Robinson as "Martin Luther King on steroids."

Donald Trump likens controversial figure Mark Robinson to Martin Luther King Jr

During his speech at the North Carolina rally, Trump proclaimed, "This is Martin Luther King on steroids. I told that to Mark. I said, I think you’re better than Martin Luther King. I think you are Martin Luther King times two," throwing his support behind Robinson in the Republican gubernatorial primary set for March 5.

Robinson, a pastor and vocal supporter of the ex-POTUS, has a history of controversial remarks about various marginalized groups, including Muslims, Jewish people, and individuals from the LGBTQ+ community.

Despite facing criticism for his past comments, the 35th lieutenant governor of North Carolina has remained a favorite among Republicans.

In his endorsement speech, Trump praised Robinson's unwavering support and highlighted his previous endorsement of the former president. He also called him an "incredible gentleman" and a "great, natural speaker." 

Robinson's contentious statements apparently include ridiculing survivors of school shootings who advocate for gun-control reform and engaging in forms of Holocaust denialism.

He later apologized for his words, saying, "There have been some Facebook posts that were poorly worded on my part. There is no antisemitism standing here in front of you." 

Robinson faced calls to resign in 2021 after he reportedly stated, "There’s no reason anybody anywhere in America should be telling any child about transgenderism, homosexuality, any of that filth."

The lieutenant governor later clarified, "Let me be clear: I will fight for and protect the rights of all citizens, including those in the LGBTQ community to express themselves however they want."

"That is their right as Americans, and I don’t think the government has any role in telling them otherwise. However, the idea that our children should be taught about concepts of transgenderism and be exposed to sexually explicit materials in the classrooms is abhorrent," asserted Robinson. 

Trump's endorsement further fueled the debate surrounding Robinson's suitability for public office, with some viewing the comparison to Martin Luther King Jr as inappropriate and misguided.

This is not the first time the ex-POTUS has drawn comparisons between Robinson and the iconic civil rights leader.

"First, it was the voice," said the former president referring to Robinson in a video posted in December 2023. He was also heard saying, "And then, I said, 'You know what, I swear, I think you’re better than Dr Martin Luther King Jr.'"

Trump's repeated likening of Robinson to Martin Luther King Jr has drawn criticism from his detractors, who view the comparison as unfounded and disrespectful to the civil rights leader's legacy, as per NBC News.

However, Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt defended Robinson, calling him "a great American who is well respected by the people of North Carolina." 

"The mainstream media’s attacks on African Americans who support President Trump is old and exhausting," noted Leavitt, adding, "But we expect them to increase as polling proves more and more Black Americans are choosing to support Trump over Biden."

Internet reacts to Donald Trump comparing Mark Robinson to Martin Luther King Jr

Soon after Trump's comments regarding Robinson being "Martin Luther King on steroids" came to light, netizens quickly took to slamming the ex-POTUS. 

"Seems he got the steroid bit right," joked a person, and someone else added,  "He is the antI-Martin Luther King! King was for the betterment and advancement of the black community, Robinson is for HIMSELF."

One remarked, "Amazed that he repeated this in public, but it gives you a good insight into how he buckets the world."

Another said, "So that’s why black men love Trump," hinting at the ex-POTUS' Black Conservative Federation Gala speech. 

"Is Trump using his rallies to practice stand up in case his plan for stealing the 2024 election don't pan out? Cuz I seriously can't watch this man and catch myself laughing out loud... often," expressed one more. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.