Carson on people calling Trump racist: ‘They could not be more wrong’

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson sough to dispel criticism that President Trump is racist Thursday night at the Republican National Convention — an issue brought up by multiple speakers during the four-day event.

“President Trump does not dabble in identity politics. He wants everyone to succeed and believes in the adage, ‘a rising tide lifts all boats,'” Carson said. “Many on the other side love to incite division by claiming that President Trump is a racist. They could not be more wrong.”

Carson cited an award that Trump had received years ago from civil rights activist Jesse Jackson for “economic opportunities he created for Black people.” The famed neurosurgeon also pointed to the president’s increased funding for historically Black colleges and universities and his work on prison reform. 

He then pivoted, reaffirming Trump’s stance against abortion.

“What is racist is the fact that African Americans have the highest abortion rate,” Carson asserted. “President Trump is the most pro-life President in our country’s history. He will continue to fight for those who cannot yet speak.”

Republicans have attempted to rehabilitate Trump’s record with race all week, while also trying to showcase the party’s diversity, having lawmakers of color such as Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) speak.

The president also conducted a pardon of convicted-felon-turned-activist Jon Ponder and a naturalization ceremony for a handful of U.S. immigrants earlier in the convention.

Trump trails Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden overall in the polls, and he lags significantly behind when it comes to Black and Latino voters.