Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick endorses Trump for president

Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and other black American leaders endorsed former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee's campaign announced.

Trump commuted Kilpatrick's prison sentence for fraud and racketeering on his last day in the Oval Office, and the former president's campaign quoted Kilpatrick's endorsement in an announcement Saturday, alongside the endorsements of other prominent black Americans.

"I can never thank President Trump enough for what he's done for me and my family by giving me freedom. But I believe this election and the issues involved are personal to every family and every person in America," Kilpatrick, who served as a Democrat in the Michigan House of Representatives, said.

The campaign also announced the creation of the "Black Americans for Trump" coalition. 

"While Black Americans have been left behind by Joe Biden, President Trump has prioritized the Black community," Team Trump Black Media Director Janiyah Thomas said in a statement. 

The former president also received endorsements from leaders such as Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, Pastor Darrell Scott, radio host Larry Elder and others.

However, Kilpatrick's endorsement of Trump may prove particularly vital as the swing state of Michigan is expected to play an important role in determining the outcome of the 2024 election.

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