Q&A with Our America’s Communications Director Catherine “Cat” Mortensen and Advisory Board Member Donna Jackson
Catherine Mortensen: At Our America, we are a non-partisan organization that supports candidates from both sides of the aisle. We focus on issues that resonate across political boundaries, such as a strong economy, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of thought, and the ability to live in a safe neighborhood. A recent poll indicates that minority voters, particularly Black and Hispanic voters, have continued their shift away from traditional party loyalties, supporting President Trump and his policies. Donna, why do you think so many minority voters, especially Black men, are backing this administration?
Donna Jackson: I believe minority voters, particularly Black men, have recognized that many policies from the left have actually harmed their ability to form families, achieve financial stability, and protect their communities. Under the Biden administration, illegal immigration has had a significant impact on African American communities. Many of the individuals being placed in these neighborhoods were military-age men, which some saw as displacing Black men from job opportunities and community roles. The influx of illegal immigration led to depressed wages and job losses as corporations replaced American citizens with undocumented workers.
Additionally, school systems suffered under policies that prioritized housing illegal immigrants over the educational needs of Black children. During the pandemic, minority children faced significant learning losses, yet the government suddenly found resources to support non-citizens while neglecting longstanding issues within African American communities. When Trump came into office, he pledged to reverse these trends, and he has been keeping that promise. His administration immediately took action to address illegal immigration, focusing on removing criminal offenders from communities.
Catherine Mortensen: Crime and community safety have been major concerns. How has the new administration addressed these issues in ways that resonate with minority voters?
Donna Jackson: Crime skyrocketed under policies that defunded the police and implemented soft-on-crime district attorneys. African American communities bore the brunt of these policies, experiencing unprecedented violence and lawlessness. When Trump returned to office, he prioritized restoring safety by enforcing the law and removing criminal elements from communities.
Many Black Americans, particularly in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, have expressed their fear and frustration over the deterioration of public safety. For the first time, they felt unsafe in their own neighborhoods. Trump’s administration has taken concrete steps to combat crime, and that has built trust within the community. His proactive stance shows a level of respect for these communities that many feel they have not received from other politicians.
Catherine Mortensen: Do you think this support for Trump and his policies is sustainable? Will it carry over into the midterm elections and beyond?
Donna Jackson: Absolutely. What we are seeing now is just the beginning. The number of African Americans supporting Trump is increasing because they see real results. He made promises and has followed through on them.
One key factor is economic opportunity. By cutting unnecessary government spending and eliminating inefficient programs, the administration is making it easier for people to keep more of their earnings. Inflation and high costs of living have disproportionately impacted minority communities, and Trump’s efforts to streamline government spending are resonating.
Additionally, there has been pushback against the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives that many Black men viewed as harmful. These initiatives often reduced opportunities by lowering standards instead of equipping individuals with the skills they need to succeed. The Trump administration has recognized that and is working to correct it.
Catherine Mortensen: You mentioned DEI programs. How have these policies impacted the Black community, and why do you think there is growing opposition to them?
Donna Jackson: DEI policies were presented as an extension of civil rights, but they have actually done more harm than good. They lowered expectations and created an environment where minorities were seen as needing special treatment rather than as capable individuals.
For example, in education, DEI policies led to schools abandoning rigorous math and reading requirements, arguing that such standards were “racist.” But how can you succeed in a competitive world without foundational skills? These policies didn’t level the playing field; they handicapped entire generations of minority students.
Furthermore, DEI initiatives were largely controlled by professionals who were not representative of the communities they claimed to help. African Americans make up 13.7% of the U.S. population but only 3.8% of DEI professionals. This disparity suggests that DEI was never really about empowering Black Americans but rather about advancing a political agenda.
Catherine Mortensen: It sounds like many African Americans are looking for policies that empower rather than patronize them. Do you think Trump’s approach is fostering that sense of empowerment?
Donna Jackson: Definitely. Trump treats everyone the same and expects the best from people, regardless of race. He promotes merit-based success, which is what true equality should look like. Many African American men have told me they feel disrespected when politicians assume they need handouts instead of opportunities to prove themselves.
Trump’s policies align with the values of hard work, personal responsibility, and strong families—all things that resonate deeply with the Black community. His administration recognizes that the best way to uplift people is to provide them with opportunities, not government dependency.
Catherine Mortensen: Donna, you are an example of achieving the American dream through hard work and perseverance. Do you think more Americans are coming to appreciate that message?
Donna Jackson: Absolutely. There is pride in knowing that you achieved something through hard work. People want to be recognized for their skills and contributions, not treated as charity cases. What’s happening now is that minority communities are rejecting the notion that they need special treatment to succeed. They just need a fair shot.
Under Trump, they feel respected as individuals with potential rather than as victims needing rescue. That’s why his support among minority voters is growing, and I believe it will continue to increase in the coming years.
Catherine Mortensen: Thank you, Donna. Your insights help shed light on why so many voters are rethinking their political loyalties and embracing policies that truly empower them.
This historic shift among minority voters underscores the importance of policies that prioritize economic growth, public safety, and individual empowerment. As we move forward, the question remains: Will this trend continue to reshape the American political landscape? The answer, it seems, lies in the policies and leadership that deliver real results.
