.@SecretaryCarson: “If we look upon our countrymen as brothers… we will truly create one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” pic.twitter.com/XShbrPd7Z9
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 12, 2018
Retired neurosurgeon and ex-presidential candidate Ben Carson became social media’s punching bag Friday, Jan. 12, as he flanked President Donald Trump at the signing of a proclamation commemorating the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
The signing comes just a day after outcry over Trump’s controversial comments about not wanting immigrants from “shithole” countries like Haiti, El Salvador and African nations in the U.S. Rather, America should admit more immigrants from nations such as Norway, the president said, according to several who attended the Oval Office meeting Thursday.
“Why do we need more Haitians?” Trump reportedly asked. “Take ’em out.”
Naturally, many weren’t pleased to see the reality TV star-turned-politician commemorate a holiday honoring a champion of civil rights like Dr. King, after such overtly racist comments against Black and brown people. Then emerged Carson, seemingly there to offer Trump his support. However, many saw it as Trump’s way of using his sole African-American as a prop to show how “not” racist he is.
“… Today we honor the legacy of the man who marched on Washington for jobs and for freedom, achieving both for millions of Americans of all races and backgrounds,” Carson said, recalling the moment he learned of King’s assassination.
“This April, we’ll observe the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination,” the HUD secretary added. “Far from silencing his dream, death wrought him immortal in the American heart. His message of equality, justice and the common dignity of man resounds today.”
Critics on Twitter didn’t hold back on the former brain surgeon, however, for allowing Trump to use him as a “token Black.”
Ben Carson is speaking at Pres. Shithole’s MLK event because he’s Black. He’s his last African-American.
— Jamilah Lemieux (@JamilahLemieux) January 12, 2018
#BenCarson is speaking at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. event standing next to a 💩 hole who can’t keep still pic.twitter.com/TrnStI4151
— ladydayA1 (@ladydaya) January 12, 2018
The token Black man, #BenCarson, in the Administration is speaking at the WH MLK event. This whole event makes my skin crawl. #hypocrites
— Barbara Wortman (@campbabs) January 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/willishl/status/951859972207497216
Oh, I see. Here is where #BenCarson comes in handy to racist pig @POTUS. I will keep the rest of my comments to myself, but Carson is to black folk what Kushner is to Jews. A shanda. #MLKDay #TrumpIsARacist
— Lesley Abravanel 🪩 (@lesleyabravanel) January 12, 2018
Ben Carson…. there will be no shower hot enough to get the stink off of you when you get home.
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) January 12, 2018
Looking at #Trump 's African-American, #BenCarson and #IsaacFarris , #MLK 's nephew, and remembering the words of Henry Highland Garnet: "where is the blood of your fathers? Has it all run out of your veins?" The answer, of course, is yes. Back to work.
— Greg Carr (@AfricanaCarr) January 12, 2018
Ben Carson should have resigned with trumps #Charlottesville comments, yet he allows himself to be used further #shithole
— Backstorymom1 (@Backstorymom1) January 12, 2018
#BenCarson The Clueless Dummy in Trump’s Jungle! pic.twitter.com/7gUsOg7Fz3
— Huggy Lowdown (@HuggyLowdownDC) January 12, 2018
Trump’s declaration will designate King’s birthplace, church and tomb as national parks.
