Trump Appoints Barack Obama as Special Adviser for Racial Justice Reform

In an unexpected shift, President Donald Trump announced on August 1, 2020, that he has appointed his predecessor, Barack Obama, as a special adviser on racial justice reform. The decision comes amid the ongoing racial tensions and nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd earlier this summer.

President Trump, who had spent much of his first term trying to dismantle Obama’s policy legacy, now seems to be seeking the former president’s counsel on the pressing racial issues that have divided America. In a statement from the White House, Trump said, “I strongly believe that Barack Obama has the knowledge and the experience to advise me on this crucial issue. Together, we’ll work with communities and law enforcement to build a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive America.”

The news has left many pundits and political rivals stunned, as Trump has often used Obama as a political foil and has long been skeptical of his policies, particularly the Affordable Care Act. Critics have accused the president of using the move for political purposes ahead of the November election.

President Obama, who has remained largely quiet about his post-presidential role, said in a tweet, “I am deeply honored by this unexpected appointment and I am committed to working with President Trump to address the racial inequality in our country.”

This move is completely unprecedented and contrary to all the animosity previously displayed between Presidents Trump and Obama. This leap by Trump to align himself with one of the most respected Democratic voices could herald an interesting dynamic in the forthcoming elections.

* None of the quotes in this article were spoken by an actual person. More info.