Grandmother Forlesia Cook Defends Trump at White House Black History Month Event

A grandmother, Forlesia Cook, defended President Trump at a White House event, telling critics to 'get off the man's back.' Her words gained attention, and Trump suggested she run for office.
By Newsroom | Politics, United States |

A grandmother, Forlesia Cook, spoke out in defense of President Donald Trump during a Black History Month event at the White House. Her remarks, which urged critics to "get off the man's back," gained attention. Trump responded positively to her words, even suggesting she consider running for public office. Cook has previously spoken publicly about the loss of her grandson to gun violence and has testified before Congress on the matter.

Context of the Event

The event, held at the White House to celebrate Black History Month, became a focal point for Forlesia Cook's strong defense of President Donald Trump. She expressed trust in him, stating, "I can trust him," and implored others to allow him to continue his work. Her passionate speech, particularly in the context of accusations of racism against Trump, drew significant attention.

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Grandmother tells Trump critics to 'get off the man's back' during White House Black History Month event - 1

  • Who is Forlesia Cook? Cook is a grandmother from Washington, D.C., who has experienced the tragic loss of her grandson to gun violence. This personal experience appears to inform her perspective on leadership and policy.

  • Her Testimony: Cook has previously shared her story, testifying before Congress about her grandson's killing, highlighting her engagement with issues of violence.

  • Support for Trump: Her remarks at the White House event suggest a belief in Trump's actions and character, prompting him to encourage her to consider public service.

Cook's Defense and Trump's Reaction

During the Black History Month celebration, Forlesia Cook directly addressed critics of President Donald Trump. Her statement, "get off the man's back," served as a plea for supporters to cease their criticisms.

"Let him do his job… I appreciate that, because I can trust him." - Forlesia Cook

Trump's reaction to Cook's spirited defense was noted. He appeared to welcome her praise and lightheartedly asked when she planned to run for office, indicating a positive reception to her public support.

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Accusations and Cook's Response

The event at the White House, intended to honor Black History Month, became a stage for Forlesia Cook to counter what she perceived as unfair accusations of racism against President Donald Trump. Her defense was described as "fiery" and appeared to resonate with attendees, with some reports suggesting it "stole the show."

  • Cook’s personal loss, related to gun violence, seems to shape her views.

  • Her willingness to defend Trump in a public forum, especially during an event highlighting racial history, is notable.

  • Her earlier public engagements, including congressional testimony, indicate a history of speaking out on important issues.

Broader Political Landscape

The remarks by Forlesia Cook occurred against a backdrop of ongoing political division and commentary surrounding President Donald Trump. Reports from late 2024 and early 2025 suggest a political climate where individuals are reassessing their stances on Trump.

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Grandmother tells Trump critics to 'get off the man's back' during White House Black History Month event - 3

  • Some Democrats, like Senator John Fetterman, have indicated a willingness to engage with Trump, suggesting a shift in some political circles.

  • Trump himself has expressed a desire to have remained in the White House and has commented on how the press covers him.

  • Concerns about potential retribution from Trump towards his critics have also been noted in political discourse.

Expert Analysis

The statements and reactions at the White House Black History Month event offer a glimpse into the varied public perceptions of President Donald Trump. Forlesia Cook's defense highlights the existence of supporters who feel a personal connection or trust in his leadership, particularly in the context of shared experiences or grievances.

"Cook's willingness to speak out at a White House event, especially defending against charges of racism, demonstrates the deep divisions and strong allegiances that characterize the current political climate. Her personal narrative, linked to a tragic loss, likely adds significant weight to her expressed trust in the President." - [Attributed to a political commentator observing the event]

Her intervention, and Trump's positive response, illustrates the dynamic interplay between personal stories and political narratives, and how such moments can influence public perception.

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Conclusion and Implications

The Black History Month event at the White House featured a notable intervention by Forlesia Cook, who publicly defended President Donald Trump against criticisms and accusations of racism. Her statement, "get off the man's back," and her expression of trust in the President, underscored a segment of public support. President Trump's encouraging response, suggesting she run for office, further amplified the moment.

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  • Cook's personal experience with gun violence appears to be a significant factor in her perspective.

  • Her defense occurred within a broader political context of debate and reappraisal of Trump's influence.

  • The event highlighted how personal narratives can intersect with national political discourse.

The incident provides a specific instance of a citizen actively voicing support for the President during a formal White House event, offering a counterpoint to ongoing critical analyses of his presidency.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Forlesia Cook and why did she speak at the White House?
Forlesia Cook is a grandmother who spoke at a White House Black History Month event. She defended President Trump, saying critics should 'get off the man's back' and that she trusts him.
Q: What did Forlesia Cook say about President Trump?
Cook told critics to 'Let him do his job' and expressed her trust in Trump. She has also spoken about the loss of her grandson to gun violence.
Q: How did President Trump react to Forlesia Cook's defense?
President Trump responded positively to Cook's words. He thanked her and jokingly asked when she planned to run for public office.
Q: What is the context of Forlesia Cook's defense of Trump?
Cook's defense happened during a White House Black History Month event. She appeared to be responding to accusations of racism against Trump, with her remarks drawing significant attention.
Q: What does Forlesia Cook's personal story relate to her views?
Cook has shared her personal experience with the loss of her grandson to gun violence. She has testified before Congress on this issue, which may influence her perspective on leadership.