Opinion: Why Trump’s ‘Agenda 47’ Is A Danger To The Black And LGBTQ+ Community
Check it out for yourself on his campaign website.
The world has been introduced to right-wing group Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” which presents a sweeping overhaul of government and governance. But now it’s time to present the “Agenda 47” playbook that many are saying is just as dangerous, especially for Black people and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Agenda 47” is a strategy created by former President Donald Trump that can be found on his reelection website. With corresponding videos, each section outlines treacherous policy changes and additions if he returns to office. A number of the policies threaten the lifestyle and culture of civil and LGBTQ+ rights, ripping through education, health care, the military and so much more.
Plan To Protect Children From Left-Wing Gender Insanity
The 45th President describes this plan as a way to “stop the chemical, physical, and emotional mutilation of our youth.”
“No serious country should be telling its children that they were born with the wrong gender,” the site reads.
In addition to labeling gender-affirming care as “mutilation,” the agenda will declare any hospital or healthcare provider as ineligible to meet federal health and safety standards for Medicaid and Medicare if they participate in the act. The healthcare establishments also risk being terminated from the program.
Trump’s Plan For The Suburbs That Pushes The American Dream Further From Reach
Trump claims that “Joe Biden’s radical left” is attacking the “suburban lifestyle.” The former president plans to immediately repeal Biden’s “radical regulatory push” by repealing President Barack Obama’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule (AFFH), which he feels stripped local communities of making decisions and erodes the suburban lifestyle.
Under his leadership, Trump wants to hold a competition for states to build “Freedom Cities” to give Americans a chance at homeownership.
Under Agenda 47, Trump wants to invest in the increase of law enforcement presence and will force all agencies that receive DOJ grants to return to what he calls “proven policing measures” including stop-and-frisk.
The racist notion has been ruled unconstitutional in states like New York however, he continues to dangle the narrative in front of Black voters as a way to relate to them. The measure was once used to keep illegal guns off the streets but then used as a target for Black and brown people.
A federal monitor report shows the controversial “stop-and-frisk” teams made unlawful stops targeting the demographics and 24% of the stops were unconstitutional. In 34 areas that account for 80% of the city’s violent crime rate, largely in communities of color, 97% of the people stopped were Black or Hispanic.
Downtown Atlanta Loses Popular Restaurant Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks After Water Main Break
The owner claims the restaurant was 'ruined' after damage from Atlanta's major water main break.
Downtown Atlanta is losing one of its notable restaurants. The owner of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks said its “landmark” location will not reopen after closing due to the city’s June water main break.
Derrick Hayes Sr. posted the not-so-delicious news to social media on July 14.
“Everybody keeps asking me about Forsyth Street location. This is the landmark location, so I’m going to break the news to y’all. This location is not opening back up,” explained the restaurateur. “The water really killed [it], its not worth reopening. We’ve been through a lot trying [too]…It’s just not coming together. So were going to walk away from this location.”
However, Hayes Sr. proclaimed that this does not mean he’s leaving Atlanta for good.
“But I ain’t never lost nothing, so I know something bigger and better is coming my way,” he said. “So, stick with me. I’m working on something to put back in the city, so I can support everybody and make everybody happy. Y’all just stick with me, and stick with us.”
The water main break left many business and homes without water for days, with residents criticizing the mayor and City of Atlanta for their lack of communication on its resolve. Prior to its permanent closure, Hayes Sr. shared how the water damage “ruined” his restaurant.
While no further details were shared on his next steps in Atlanta, the eatery will launch locations in the Carolinas and Florida, the latter made possible through a partnership with Former Pepsi Co. executive Derrick Lewis.
Despite the loss of its flagship restaurant, Atlanta residents can still travel outside the city limits to grab the famed cheesesteaks. Big Dave’s other locations in Metro Atlanta remain in operation.
Retired Atlanta Resident Provides City’s Unhoused With Free Showers And Laundry Services
Nicky Crawford is able to accomplish this through his nonprofit, Flowing With Blessings.
A retired Atlanta resident is helping the city’s unhoused by providing free showers, and now laundry services, to those without shelter.
With his big yellow school bus tugging along a tiny trailer, Clarenton “Nicky” Crawford provides unhoused people with laundry facilities and mobile showers to clean themselves and their belongings. Inside the bus are rows of washing and dryer machines, making him a laundromat on wheels for this vulnerable population.
Accompanied by a slew of volunteers, Crawford travels to Grady Memorial Hospital twice a week to supply these vital services, through his Flowing with Blessings nonprofit, which he co-founded in February 2022. With the newly-added laundry bus, unhoused people can freely clean their clothes without any stipulations. While Crawford did not intend to run a laundromat, he considers it an honor to help those using the service.
“When they come here, I consider them my guests,” Crawford told Channel 2. “There’s no coins and no credit cards. Just put it in, punch start and let it go.”
The city also continues to tackle a growing homelessness crisis. The unhoused population has grown by 33% since 2022, according to the Atlanta Mission. While new, innovative shelters opened to combat the issue, more resources are needed to help Atlanta’s portion of the state’s more than 10,000 unhoused people.
However, Crawford intends to make up the difference in his small, yet crucial way. The Alabama State University alumnus added, “I don’t know them. I learn their names over time because they come back. But it doesn’t matter. They’re still human.”
While benefiting from the service herself, Myron Jackson calls its a divine intervention.
“That’s what I’m talking about. It’s God’s work. Got to be God.”
Further information on how to get involved with Flowing with Blessings can be found on its website.
Anesthesiologist Suspended After Allegedly Exposing Patients To Diseases
More than 2,000 patients are at risk.
An Oregon anesthesiologist has been suspended following concerns that he may have exposed over 2,000 patients to HIV and hepatitis at two Portland-area hospitals—Providence Portland Willamette Falls Medical Center and Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center.
The doctor had been providing services at the hospitals through the Oregon Anesthesiology Group for approximately six months.
According to KGW 8, patients who came into contact with the anesthesiologist are being notified of an “infection control breach.” In a statement, Legacy Health, the group that manages hospital operations for Legacy Mount Hood Mount, said it has “suspended the provider and launched a comprehensive investigation in accordance with regulations and with our policies and procedures.”
Providence, the group which does the same service for Providence Portland Wiliamette Falls Medical Center, canceled the doctor’s contract and barred the group that referred him to them from contracting out work for the hospital. The latter movie led to the delay of hundreds of surgeries.
Although Providence did release a statement saying that there was a “low-risk of exposure,” it urged patients who came into contact with the doctor to get tested for HIV and Hepatitis B and C.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we are encouraging these patients to get a blood test to screen for the aforementioned infections, at no cost. If a patient tests positive, Providence will reach out to discuss their test results and next steps,” Providence said in a statement. “Patient safety is our number one priority, and our patients have our full commitment to a thorough review of this issue and appropriate action. ”
In a statement, The Oregon Anesthesiology Group said it fired the physician after an investigation. In addition, “new protocols and procedures have been put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
Comedian Loni Love Wants Tyler Perry To Give More Black Writers Opportunities to Thrive
The advice comes following bad reviews for his latest film, 'Divorce in the Black,' which is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Loni Love is calling on Tyler Perry to hire Black writers.
After Screen Rant shared a report via X that Perry’s recent Amazon Prime Video film, Divorce in the Black, starring Meagan Good and Cory Hardrict, received a zero percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the comedian chimed in with some advice for the media mogul.
“I love that Tyler is paying Black actors now. I wish he would hire Black writers and directors who have [the] experience to help him with his movies,” wrote Love. “He could improve the movies & make them award-worthy if he would stop trying to save money by doing the writing and directing himself.”
I love that Tyler is paying Black actors now I wish he would hire Black writers and directors that have experience to help him with his movies… He could improve the movies & make them award worthy if he would stop trying to save money by doing the writing and directing himself. https://t.co/HExhpNMAqe
In 2020, Perry revealed that he does not hire outside writers for any of his projects. At the time, he was promoting his Netflix film, A Fall From Grace, when the Madea creator opened up about his decision not to seek additional help on the scripts for his television shows and movies.
“So, I don’t know if you know this, but all television shows have a writers room,” said Perry in the clip where he showed off a pile of scripts. “Most of the time, there are 10 people or 12 or whatever that write on these television shows. Well, I have no writer’s room. Nobody writes any of my work. I write it all. Why am I telling you this? I wrote all of these scripts by myself in 2019. Work ethic!”
When he was met with backlash, Perry gave more insight into his decision to do all the writing independently. He recalled working with union and nonunion writers at the top of his career.
“At the time, I had a bunch of nonunion writers, and I was unhappy with every single script they wrote. They were not speaking to the voice. They just didn’t get it,” he said. “There was a Black woman lawyer I was negotiating with to get WGA [Writers Guild of America] writers on my show. I told her, ‘I can’t afford to pay those rates that every other studio pays. I need to structure differently.’ It looked like the deal was going to go through, so I fired the four writers and prepared to hire new writers through the WGA.”
He also cleared up rumors that the writers were fired due to their trying to unionize.
“Now we’re a WGA show, and I’m paying WGA rates. Scripts they’re turning in? Ratings are going down. So now I have to go in and give notes on how to rewrite them,” he explained. “And if I still don’t like it, I have to pay them again for another rewrite. At one point, I thought they were submitting scripts that would need rewrites in order to get paid multiple times. And these are Black people.”
Love isn’t the only person questioning Perry’s decision not to hire writers. Many people took to X to express their disappointment with his latest film.
“Literally 5 minutes into Tyler Perry’s movie Divorce In The Black, seeing them folks take the body out the coffin at a funeral in church… like who on earth thinks of that… every time I try to give Tyler Perry another chance… he Tyler Perry’s it every time,” wrote one person.
Someone else commented, “Divorce in the Black has so many plot holes. Why does Tyler Perry do this to every movie? Every movie has the same characters: a single father, a woman that has low self esteem and then finds her power in some way, a praying mother/grandmother. Someone get this man some writers!”
Literally 5 minutes into Tyler Perry movie Divorce In The Black seeing them folks take the body out the coffin at a funeral in church… like who on earth thinks of that… every time I try to give Tyler Perry another chance… he Tyler Perry’s it every time😐😞#DivorceInTheBlackpic.twitter.com/8tVcMcF6mR
— J_1neofakindnoocap (@1_ofakindnocap) July 12, 2024
Divorce in the black has so many plot holes. Why does Tyler Perry do this to every movie? Every movie has the same characters: a single father, a woman that has low self esteem and then finds her power in some way, a praying mother/grandmother. someone get this man some writers! pic.twitter.com/yVbUsNTz7Z
Despite the negative reviews for his latest project and the call for him to hire Black writers, Perry is still making major moves in the industry. On Tuesday (July 16), in a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE, BET Media Group announced the debut of BET Tyler Perry FAST (free, ad-supported television) channels. Thanks to the new BET Tyler Perry Comedy and BET Tyler Perry Drama FAST channels, fans can now watch back-to-back episodes of BET original Tyler Perry series.
The move also follows an extension of Perry’s multi-year content partnership with BET Media Group, which will now take place through 2028, featuring hundreds of new episodes of current and new series from Perry to be shared for consumption on the network.
Dwayne Wade Responds To Cam’Ron’s Reaction To Possibly Launching A Nail Care Line
The basketball legend was OK with it.
Cam’ron, host of the sports show It Is What It Is, stormed off the set after hearing basketball legend Dwyane Wade was launching a nail care line. When Wade learned of Cam’ron’s reaction, he responded on social media with, “It’s the ‘Oh, my goodness’ for me,” followed by a laughing emoji.
According to AllHipHop, the former NBA player was on CBS discussing the nail care line, as Wade showed off his painted fingernails.
“You know, I’m creative. I’m expressive,” he said. “And there’s so many ways to do that. I’m actually thinking about jumping into the nail line. I’ve been thinking about it, yeah. I [have] been thinking about it. I been in it so long, and I’m like, you know what? It could be a good time. But I got some cool ideas that I’m exploring.”
As It What It Is was ending, Stat Baby reported about Wade’s next venture,, Ma$e blurted out, “Oh my goodness.” Cam then stood up, picked up his things, and walked off the set. As Stat and Ma$e laughed, the cameras followed Cam taking off.
Hollywood Unlocked posted on its Instagram account that Wade actually responded to the news of the clip and a screenshot of his response, “It’s the oh my goodness for me 😂.”
Although Cam and Ma$e both had successful careers in hip-hop, they’ve re-invented themselves as legitimate sportscasters who mix sports commentaries with their playful jabs and straightforward critiques. Earlier this year, the duo, along with Treasure “Stat Baby” Wilson were nominated for Best Sports Podcast.
They went up against ESPN’s 30 for 30 Podcasts: Bag Game, Apple News’ After the Whistle with Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe, New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce, and Nightcap with Unc and Ocho.
How One Entrepreneur Is Taking The Craft Beer Industry By Storm And Serving Up Excellence
Black-owned breweries are undeniably rare within the U.S. brewing industry — but that is slowly changing with craft beer brewers like Christina Thomas.
In its 2024 State of Black Brewers report, the National Black Brewers Association (NB2A) noted that of the 9,761 total breweries in the country, less than 1% (approximately 86) are Black-owned and a mere 12 of those operate their own production facilities. Ironically, this dismal state of affairs also represents a tremendous entrepreneurial opportunity for would-be craft Black Brewers and existing ones interested in scaling their enterprises. Craft breweries operate independently and create beers using traditional ingredients in small batches.
BLACK ENTERPRISE sat down with Christina Thomas, founder of Brown Girl’s Brew, an emerging Black women-owned craft beer company that has carved out an unmatched industry niche. With a strong business foundation as a financial analyst and a business degree from Rutgers University, she brings a unique blend of financial acumen and entrepreneurial spirit to the craft beer industry.
Growing up as the youngest of eight siblings in a family of ten on the South Side of Chicago, Thomas was immersed in a vibrant community that taught her resilience and the importance of staying true to one’s roots. Her mother’s home bakery was a significant inspiration for her brand, instilling a passion for crafting exceptional products that bring people together. Inspired by her mother’s dedication and love for her craft, she strives to create brews that embody the same warmth and authenticity, bringing people together, just as her mother’s baked goods did. By translating these cherished memories and recipes into craft beer flavors, she aims to create a unique drinking experience that not only tantalizes the taste buds, but also honors the culinary traditions that have shaped her passion for brewing.
Although a native of the Windy City, her time in New York has deeply influenced her approach to business and life, turning Thomas into a true New Yorker at heart.
BE: What inspired you to start Brown Girl’s Brew?
CT: Brown Girl’s Brew was born from my passion for craft beer and the frustration of not finding a pastry-inspired beer that was free of excessive additives and sugars. Also, my desire for financial independence and control over my destiny played a significant role. As a double minority, I knew I had to create my own space, where I could build my own table in an industry that has historically lacked representation and still does. I aim to fill this gap, champion inclusivity not just in brewing, but in the wine and spirits industry worldwide. Moreover, Brown Girl’s Brew is my way of taking control of my life, achieving financial freedom, providing viable resources to my community, and building a business that embodies my values and aspirations. Each sip of Brown Girl’s Brew reflects our family’s commitment to quality, creativity, and a heartfelt connection to our heritage.
What was the greatest challenge you faced in developing your enterprise?
Without question, navigating the complex landscape of the beer industry has been my greatest challenge. Creating my craft beer brand has truly been a gift and a curse. On one hand, it has been deeply rewarding to bring my vision to life. On the other, it’s been frustrating to see articles about transformations in the spirits industry that completely ignore beer. Additionally, dealing with royalty disputes with our initial brewing partners, who eventually filed for bankruptcy, was a major challenge. Ensuring fair compensation for our intellectual property and recipe rights was crucial. This experience taught me invaluable lessons in compliance and negotiations. I now know that determination and resilience are non-negotiable in my overall business approach. Despite these challenges, I’ve managed to find workarounds and stay true to my vision for Brown Girl’s Brew.
How did you come up with the flavor profiles for Brown Girl’s Brew?
The flavor profiles for Brown Girl’s Brew are deeply rooted in my family’s culinary heritage. Growing up, I worked alongside four of my eight siblings in my mother’s home bakery, where we learned the art of creating delicious cakes that brought joy to our community. Drawing inspiration from these cherished experiences, each beer flavor was meticulously crafted to evoke nostalgic moments and the comforting aromas of those homemade treats.
For example, our German Chocolate Stout pays homage to our mother’s famous cake, infusing rich baker’s chocolate and toasted coconut flavors into a robust stout base. This combination creates a decadent yet balanced beer that captures the essence of a beloved dessert enjoyed around our family table. Similarly, our Lemon Pound Cake Lager channels the bright zest and sweet undertones of her lemon pound cake. This lager harmoniously blends citrus notes with a crisp, smooth finish, reminiscent of a delightful dessert savored during gatherings with loved ones.
This wine and spirits industry can be perceived as a crowded marketplace. Who is your target audience?
Initially, I thought my target audience would be beer enthusiasts and connoisseurs who appreciate unique and flavorful beer experiences. However, I’ve since discovered that my true audience also includes newcomers to craft beer who may not have a deep understanding of its history. This includes food pairing enthusiasts, local and community supporters, as well as diverse and inclusive audiences. Our recent national account with Total Wine & More, the country’s largest independent retailer of fine wine, expands our reach exponentially and invites new stakeholders to the table. By targeting these diverse segments, I can more effectively share our unique flavors and cultural inspirations, as well as develop appropriate engagement strategies that define Brown Girl’s Brew at the highest levels.
What’s the next big goal for BGB?
Quite simply to revolutionize the craft beer industry by launching the first nationwide beer subscription service exclusively featuring brews created by women of color. We aim to spotlight the diversity and talent in the craft beer community while providing unique and high-quality beverages to beer enthusiasts across the country. This ambitious project will not only elevate our brand, but also create a platform for other women brewers to thrive and innovate. And that’s not all — we’re diving into the digital frontier with a Web 3 design that will transform how our community connects and interacts with our brand. Stay tuned for more exciting details. We’re breaking barriers and setting new standards — one exceptional beer at a time.
Any advice for budding craft beer entrepreneurs?
Remember that brewing is more than just crafting liquid gold — it’s about understanding and leveraging the entire ecosystem that supports it. From suppliers of raw materials like hops and malt to distributors, retailers, and even marketing and branding specialists, every aspect plays a critical role in your success. Build strong relationships across the industry, and recognize the importance of collaboration and mutual support. Embrace innovation and stay humble and coachable. No matter how much knowledge you have, there is always more to learn. Mentoring and networking are crucial — it’s not just about who you know, but also who knows you, as you strive to position your brand for sustainable growth in this dynamic industry.
Where will BGB be during the rest of the year — so people can pop out?
Our schedule changes daily, so the very best way to stay tuned is via our social media platforms like Instagram (@browngirlsbrew), TikTok (@browngirlsbrew), Spill, and X (@browngirlsbrew). Stay connected on all our social media for “save the dates” and updates on upcoming events featuring Brown Girl’s Brew (#BrownGirlsBrew). We have some exciting new partnerships and plans lined up, including two highly anticipated events: Black Girls in Media on Aug. 24 in NYC and the Black Owned Wine & Spirits (BOWS) Fest in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 5. These events are not to be missed, as we showcase our unique craft beers inspired by cultural traditions. Follow us closely to be part of these vibrant celebrations and discover the flavors of Brown Girl’s Brew!
Telomere Shortening Caused By Poor Environments Could Lead To Increased Prostate Cancer Risk
In a 2019 study published in the National Institutes of Health, it was hypothesized that telomere shortening could be a mechanism that linked neighborhoods and poor health outcomes
The stress of poverty has long been associated with shortened telomeres, and a 2013 study indicated that these shortened telomeres had a negative effect on the health outcomes of chronically poor people. Now, new research indicates that these poor health outcomes could also explain poor prostate health.
According to U.S. News and World Report, the stress of living in a poor neighborhood may act in a similar manner to the stress of an impoverished childhood. Initial research from the University of Maryland School of Medicine suggests that that particular stressor, which tends to affect Black people more than others, may help aggressive forms of prostate cancer spread in Black men.
In a 2019 study published by the National Institutes of Health, it was hypothesized that telomere shortening could be a mechanism that linked neighborhoods and poor health outcomes. As the study explained, “Neighborhoods are thought to exert significant influences on health via stress, altered health behaviors, and other unknown mechanisms…poor neighborhood environment has been associated with increased BMI, poor cardiovascular health, and poor self-rated health. Neighborhood deprivation is an area-level indicator for socioeconomic disadvantage that can provide contextual evidence for an individual’s environment, demonstrating distinctive associations with health outcomes compared to individual-level socioeconomic resources.”
As Kathryn Hughes Barry, a senior researcher and associate professor of epidemiology and public health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, told U.S. News, “Our findings suggest an impact of living in disadvantaged neighborhoods — which more commonly affects African Americans — on stress-related genetic pathways in the body. We believe this may increase an individual’s risk of aggressive prostate cancer and contribute to prostate cancer disparities by race.”
In the study, researchers analyzed 105 stress-related genes of 218 Black and white men with cancer, all of whom underwent surgery at the university’s medical center to have their prostate removed between 1992 and 2021. The research team used their addresses at the time of their procedure to determine if they lived in neighborhoods that were underserved. The study noted that additional research using larger studies will be needed to determine any relationship between a person’s environment and aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
According to the study’s conclusion, “In conclusion, we identified several suggestive associations between neighborhood disadvantage metrics and prostate tumor RNA expression of stress-related genes among African American and White men with prostate cancer, which warrant follow-up in larger studies. These findings support a potential link between neighborhood factors and stress-related pathways, which may in turn contribute to an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Additional research is needed to further investigate the interrelationships of neighborhood factors, individual factors, prostate tumor biology, tumor aggressiveness, and prostate cancer outcomes, including mediation analyses with survival outcomes, to help inform interventions that will reduce prostate cancer disparities.”
‘VOICES of Black Women’ Seeks South Carolina Women For Cancer Study
The American Cancer Society searches for 1,000 women in South Carolina between the ages of 25-55 to participate in VOICES of Black Women.
The American Cancer Society is aiming to recruit 1,000 South Carolina participants for its VOICES of Black Women cancer study.
The search is part of its larger 100,000-woman research project, WCBD-TV Charleston reported. This cancer study, focusing on South Carolina participants and other Black women across 20 states, seeks to understand cancer risk disparities and outcomes over a 30-year period. The American Cancer Society seeks to gather information biannually from participants aged 25-55 who have never had cancer.
The American Cancer Society explains the study’s longitudinal approach: “Because lived experiences can change and it can take many years for cancer and other diseases to develop, we need to collect information over time. The more information you provide throughout the study, the better we can understand the health of Black women.”
BLACK ENTERPRISE previously covered the details of the study. The American Cancer Society has curated a multifaceted research group, intentionally incorporating perspectives from individuals who are attuned to and respectful of the distinctive challenges faced by the Black community.
Participants in this cancer study will play an integral role, collaborating closely with investigators by sharing detailed information about their lifestyles, environments, and personal narratives through biannual comprehensive questionnaires. This approach ensures that the VOICES of Black Women study captures a holistic picture of the participants’ lives, providing invaluable data for understanding cancer risk factors and outcomes.
Dr. Lauren McCullough, a co-principal investigator, emphasized the importance of this cancer study: “Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage cancer, aggressive tumor types and have higher cancer-specific mortality rates than other women.” The American Cancer Society hopes that insights from South Carolina participants and others will help improve Black women’s health for generations.
Dr. Bianca Islam, supported the long-term study on X, stating that the organization is “leading to end cancer as we know it, for everyone!”
Supporting @AmericanCancer & work they’re leading to end cancer as we know it, for everyone! https://t.co/l5zRW3yq7k of Black Women is a groundbreaking longterm study led by ACS to better understand health conditions like cancer & strive for improved wellbeing among Black Women pic.twitter.com/ecSLDr9ljv
The VOICES of Black Women cancer study opened enrollment on May 6 in South Carolina and other states: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Women can participate at no cost.
Introducing VOICES of Black Women- a bold step in our mission to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. VOICES isn't just a study; it's a commitment to understanding & improving the health of Black women. More: https://t.co/JuxIRLTe6u Announcement: https://t.co/IEaWnwIcGkpic.twitter.com/4X7VbCkAHZ
— American Cancer Society (@AmericanCancer) May 7, 2024
Rep. Bennie Thompson’s Staffer Steps Down After Social Media Post About Trump Shooting
Jacqueline Marsaw, a former case worker and manager in Rep. Bennie Thompson’s office has resigned in the aftermath of a social media post she made concerning the shooting of President Trump
Jacqueline Marsaw, a former case worker and manager in Rep. Bennie Thompson’s office, has resigned in the aftermath of a social media post she made concerning the shooting of President Trump, which the FBI is investigating as an assassination attempt.
TheClarion-Ledger obtained a screenshot of a post written by Marsaw, which read, “I don’t condone violence, but please get you some shooting lessons so you don’t miss next time ops. That wasn’t me talking.”
The post was swiftly condemned, and the Mississippi Republican Party called for Thompson to fire Marsaw, in a post to their Twitter/X account.
“Bennie Thompson should FIRE his field director for condoning the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump!!! Please get you some shooting lessons so you don’t miss next time. The Mississippi Democratic Party must repudiate these despicable statements!!!”
According to The Clarion Ledger, the post was deleted approximately an hour after it surfaced online. Thompson, meanwhile, stated to Fox News: “I was made aware of a post made by a staff member, and she is no longer employed by me.”
Thompson, along with several other political leaders, made his thoughts on the attempted assassination apparent following the shooting. Thompson posted a statement to his official Twitter/X account, “There is no room in American democracy for political violence. I am grateful for law enforcement’s fast response to this incident. I am glad the former President is safe, and my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved.”
Despite this, Shad White, Mississippi’s State Auditor, called for Thompson to resign, accusing him of employing “nut job staffers.”
Marsaw, meanwhile, defended her statement on social media as a joke, but according to the Natchez Democrat, Secret Service officers contacted law enforcement to interview Marsaw and to visit her house on July 14. Adams County Sheriff Travis Patron told the outlet that Marsaw expressed remorse for her actions.
“She was very remorseful and told the agents that what she did was unwarranted and uncalled for. She continued to apologize throughout the entire 45-minute interview.”
According to the sheriff, Marsaw’s comments may have violated US Code 879, a statute that explicitly prohibits threats to former presidents, which is punishable by up to five years in prison. However, it will be left up to Mississippi’s Attorney General whether or not any charges will be filed due to Marsaw’s actions.
According to Newsweek, Rep. Thompson’s office has not returned multiple requests from members of the media for comment at the time of this writing.
