‘The derangement is real’: Raymond Arroyo sparks outrage as he claims Trump’s gold sneakers could win him Black America’s support

Shortly after going on sale, the limited edition line of Donald Trump's gold high-top sneakers quickly sold out
PUBLISHED FEB 23, 2024
Raymond Arroyo ruffled feathers by claiming Trump's new sneaker line was the former president's way of appealing to Black culture (Gage Skidmore via Wikipedia; Trump Sneakers/Website; Getty Images)
Raymond Arroyo ruffled feathers by claiming Trump's new sneaker line was the former president's way of appealing to Black culture (Gage Skidmore via Wikipedia; Trump Sneakers/Website; Getty Images)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Fox News host Raymond Arroyo is facing criticism for suggesting that Donald Trump's newly-released limited edition sneakers would sway the votes of Black Americans.

During a panel discussion over the weekend on 'The Big Weekend Show', Arroyo claimed that Trump's gold 'Never Surrender' high-top sneakers would appeal to Black Americans, particularly those who have a fondness for sneakers.



 

Fox News commentator claims Trump's golden sneakers could win Black votes

Arroyo made the statement on Fox's 'The Big Weekend Show,' asserting that with "Black support eroding for Joe Biden, this (the sneakers) is connecting with Black America - because they love sneakers."

Arroyo continued his assertion by stating, "They're into sneakers. This is a big deal, certainly in the inner city."

He further expressed his belief that Trump's outreach through the sneakers transcends politics and is resonating with the Black community on a deeper level.

Raymond Arroyo speaking at the 2018 CPAC in National Harbor, Maryland (Gage Skidmore via Wikipedia)
Raymond Arroyo (Gage Skidmore via Wikipedia)

Arroyo concluded his remarks by asserting, "Trump understands culture like no politician I've ever seen," suggesting that the bold sneakers, which were priced at around $400 before selling out, resonate deeply with Black culture.

The limited edition Trump high tops were retailing for close to $400 before selling out
 (Trump Sneakers/Website)
The limited edition Donald Trump high tops were retailing for close to $400 before selling out (Trump Sneakers/Website)

He continued, "So when you have Trump roll out his sneaker line, they're like, 'Wait a minute, this is cool'."

However, Arroyo's comments faced backlash online, with many critics labeling him as racist and accusing him of perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

However, contrary to Arroyo's critics, TMZ highlights the support from popular rapper and YouTuber Peezy, who endorsed the sneaker line to his substantial online following.

In a recent video, the rapper unequivocally declared his political allegiance, stating, "F**k Joe Biden, I'm rocking with Trump." He reinforced his stance with a "F**k Kamala Harris," ensuring his audience fully understood his position.

Furthermore, Peezy requested a size 13 pair of the sold-out gold 'Never Surrender' sneakers, indicating his intention to wear them in support of his chosen candidate for the 2024 election.

Arroyo faces backlash for alleged racist remarks

On social media, Arroyo's remarks drew criticism as numerous individuals labeled him a racist, accusing him of perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

One user on X wrote, "Wait a minute? Did Fox News pundit Raymond Arroyo really say this past weekend that black people will vote for Trump because "they love sneakers"? Yes, yes he did."



 

Another wrote, "The racism just drips off of @RaymondArroyo in this clip."



 



 

"In his defense, he's probably just high from the spray paint on his head," said a user, seizing the opportunity to mock Arroyo's hairstyle.

Another comments read, "The derangement is real."



 



 

While one said, "He’s not just regular racist, he’s 1984 racist!"

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.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Ellison wondered how the DOJ 'is stretching' either the FACE Act, KKK Act 'to apply to people who protested in a church over the behavior of a religious leader'
1 hour ago
Victims’ lawyers accuse the Justice Department of prolonging secrecy and shielding powerful figures after it failed to fully disclose investigative files
12 hours ago
With a razor-thin House majority, the speaker races to unite Republicans to energize voters and safeguard control of the chamber ahead of November
14 hours ago
State Del Adrian Boafo argues the action is needed because ICE agents 'are not qualified' and 'Marylanders deserve people who will protect them'
23 hours ago
Two battalions from the 11th Airborne Division were readied for cold-weather deployment as they were best suited for Minnesota’s harsh winter conditions
1 day ago
50 trainers guided 2,000 DSA members and 2,000 allies as Renee Good's death spurred activists to expand rapid response networks
1 day ago
Abigail Spanberger defeated Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears in the 2025 election, reshaping Virginia’s political balance heading into 2026
2 days ago
Adriana Camberos' first conviction involved fake energy drinks sold in the US with counterfeit labels, and Trump commuted her sentence in January 2021
2 days ago
'If I move him, these Fed guys - certainly the one we have now - they don't talk much. I would lose you' Donald Trump said about Kevin Hassett
3 days ago
Charles Wall served for the past year as ICE's principal legal advisor, overseeing 3,500 staff in immigration court and advising DHS leadership
3 days ago