A Washington D.C. grandmother delivered a passionate defense of President Trump during a Black History Month celebration at the White House, drawing thunderous applause from the East Room audience as she challenged critics of the administration.

Emotional White House Moment

Forlesia Cook took the stage to praise Trump’s crime policies, speaking from personal experience after losing her grandson in a 2017 shooting. Her voice rose as she declared her support: “I love him. I don’t want to hear nothing you got to say about that racist stuff.” Cook continued her defense, telling Trump’s critics to “get off the man’s back” and “let him do his job.” The crowd erupted in cheers as she concluded with “And grandma said it.”

Trump immediately responded with enthusiasm, offering Cook his endorsement for any future political run. “Wow, that’s pretty good. When is she running for office? Forlesia, you have my endorsement,” the president said. Cook praised Trump for bringing National Guard troops to the capital and for his direct communication style, saying she appreciates that “he keeps it real, just like Grandma.”

Personal Tragedy Drives Advocacy

Cook’s advocacy stems from the tragic loss of her 22-year-old grandson, Marty William McMillan Jr., who was murdered in April 2017. McMillan left for a date with someone he met online, but never returned home. His body was discovered four months later beside a Maryland highway, having been shot multiple times. Police identified his remains in January 2018, and John Jabar McRae was eventually convicted of voluntary manslaughter, receiving a 16-year prison sentence in 2024.

Event Highlights and Context

The Black History Month celebration marked the 100th anniversary of the observance. Trump praised the late Reverend Jesse Jackson, calling him “special, with lots of personality, grit, and street smarts.” The president also announced that Ben Carson would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Cook’s appearance follows her previous White House video thanking Trump for crime reduction efforts in Washington, D.C., demonstrating her continued support for the administration’s law enforcement policies.