Donald Trump Feels No Responsibility "At All" to Understand Black Americans

Donald Trump spoke with a Washington Post journalist about race relations.

President Donald Trump made headlines on Wednesday after journalist Bob Wooward's book Rage revealed the president had knowingly downplayed the dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the book reveals what most are aware of at this point--Trump feels no responsibility to empathize with the "anger and pain" felt by Black Americans. Read more excerpts from the book, as well as audio clips, at the Washington Post.

The book is based on 18 on-record conversations between Woodward and Trump. Woodward was previously known for his reporting on the Watergate scandal in 1972.

In one conversation on June 19, Woodward asked if Trump was aware that his privilege isolated him from the plight of Black Americans.

"No," he said, according to Woodward. "You really drank the Kool-Aid, didn't you? Just listen to you. Wow. No, I don't feel that at all." Three days afterwards, Woodward asked Trump if he believed there was systemic and institutional racism in this country.

"Well, I think there is everywhere," he then replied. "I think probably less here than most places. Or less here than many places."

When Woodward asked if racism had impacted Black people's lives in America, Trump conceded. "I think it is," he replied. "And it's unfortunate. But I think it is."

Weeks later, on July 8, Trump complained about his lack of popularity with Black voters. "I've done a tremendous amount for the Black community," he told Woodward. "And honestly, I'm not feeling any love."