NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump says he wants to hold a major campaign event at New York’s Madison Square Garden featuring Black hip-hop artists and athletes. His aides speak of making appearances in Chicago, Detroit and Atlanta with leaders of color and realigning American politics by flipping Democratic constituencies.
But five months before the first general election votes are cast, the former president’s campaign has little apparent organization to show for its ambitious plans.
The Trump campaign removed its point person for coalitions and hasn’t announced a replacement. The Republican Party’s minority outreach offices across the country have been shuttered and replaced by businesses that include a check-cashing store, an ice cream shop and a sex-toy store. And campaign officials concede they are weeks away from rolling out any targeted programs.
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee has struggled to navigate a messy transition into the general election plagued by staffing issues, his personal legal troubles and the “Make America Great Again” movement’s disdain for so-called “ identity politics.” There are signs of frustration on the ground, where Republicans believe Trump has a real opportunity to shift the election by cutting into President Joe Biden’s advantage with voters of color.
“To be quite honest, the Republican Party does not have a cohesive engagement plan for Black communities,” said Darrell Scott, a Black pastor who served as a senior advisor on Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns. “What it has are conservatives in communities of color that have taken it upon themselves to head our own initiatives.”
In Michigan, a critical battleground that flipped from Trump to Biden four years ago, several party officials confirmed that the Republican National Committee, overhauled by Trump allies after he clinched the nomination in March, has yet to set up any community centers for minority outreach. Office spaces to house the centers have been offered up by community members, but staffing has been an issue, said Oakland County GOP Chair Vance Patrick.
“We’ve got all these carts but we have no horses yet,” said Patrick. “So, it’s all about making sure we have staffing when we open up these offices.”
On-the-ground political organizing has long been a hallmark of successful presidential campaigns, which typically invest tremendous resources into identifying would-be supporters and ensuring they vote. The task may be even more critical this fall given how few voters are excited about the Biden-Trump rematch.
The Trump campaign hired a national coalitions director in October 2023, almost a year after he launched his campaign. But the staffer, Derek Silver, departed in March without explanation, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share internal discussions. Silver did not return multiple requests for comment and no replacement has been announced.
Trump’s advisors reject criticism that they’re not doing enough organizing or spending to reach minorities. James Blair, the campaign’s political director, said the campaign would not “broadcast” its spending or staffing levels, “but I assure you, it’s enough to ensure President Trump’s historic surge in support amongst Black and Hispanic voters sticks in November and beyond.”
Lynne Patton, a senior adviser on the campaign overseeing coalitions work who has worked closely with the Trump family for decades, said that Trump’s political team is laying the groundwork for a robust minority outreach program, although largely in private.
“We are speaking with Black leaders, we are speaking with small business owners, we’re speaking with famous athletes, hip-hop artists, some of whom I think you’d be surprised if you knew who was talking with us right now,” Patton said in an interview. “These are people who are expressing openness to supporting President Trump both publicly and privately.”
Polls show that many Black and Hispanic adults are dissatisfied with Biden. According to AP-NORC polls, Biden’s approval among Black adults has dropped from 94% when he started his term to just 55% in March. Among Hispanic adults, it dropped from 70% to 32% in the same period.
And an April poll by the Pew Research Center confirms the problem is especially acute among younger adults: Just 43% of Black adults under 50 said they approve of Biden in that poll, compared with 70% of those age 50 and older. Among Hispanics, 29% of younger adults said they approve, slightly less than the 42% who said that among those 50 and older.
Trump's allies argue that increased frustration about crime, inflation and immigration may win over some voters of color who have previously been less receptive to Trump’s record and divisive rhetoric.
Biden has been spending millions of dollars on ads targeting Black and Latino voters in presidential battleground states. That’s in addition to dozens of new office openings in minority neighborhoods. All the while, Biden’s team has frequently dispatched Vice President Kamala Harris, the nation’s first Black female vice president, and other prominent leaders of color to key states.
“Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans proudly admitting that they have no real strategy to reach Black voters because they believe all they need is rap concerts and free chicken is only surprising if you haven’t paid attention to Trump’s fraudulent relationship to Black America for years,” said Jasmine Harris, the Biden campaign’s Black media director, who described Trump as “a fraud” who “takes every opportunity available to him to demean our community.”
Republican strategist Alice Stewart, a veteran of several GOP campaigns, said she’s confident that the Trump campaign will ultimately do what’s necessary.
“But the key is they can’t just talk about minority outreach,” she said. “They have to do it.”
Brown reported from Washington. AP Director of Public Opinion Research Emily Swanson in Washington and Associated Press writers Joey Cappelletti in Lansing, Michigan; Michael Rubinkam in Allentown, Pennsylvania; Todd Richmond in Madison, Wisconsin; Julie Carr Smyth in Columbus, Ohio; and Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, contributed.
FILE - Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump visits a Chick-fil-A eatery, April 10, 2024, in Atlanta. Five months before the first general election votes are cast, Trump's campaign has little to show for its ambitious minority outreach plan. Trump advisers point to Trump's appearances at the eatery, as well as a New York bodega and a New York City police officer's wake as examples of the campaign's developing outreach strategy that hinges on using Trump's celebrity and bombastic personality to create viral moments in communities of color. (AP Photo/Jason Allen, File)
Trump promised big plans to flip Black and Latino voters. Many Republicans are waiting to see them
Trump promised big plans to flip Black and Latino voters. Many Republicans are waiting to see them
FILE - Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, left, visits a bodega, April 16, 2024, in New York. Five months before the first general election votes are cast, Trump's campaign has little to show for its ambitious minority outreach plan. Trump advisers point to Trump's appearances at the bodega, an Atlanta Chick-fil-A, and a New York City police officer's wake, as examples of the campaign's developing outreach strategy that hinges on using Trump's celebrity and bombastic personality to create viral moments in communities of color. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File)
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Shea Langeliers has been pounding his hometown Texas Rangers.
Langeliers hit a two-run homer on his way to a career-high five RBIs in the first game of a doubleheader and drove in another three runs in Game 2 as the Oakland Athletics split the two games with the Rangers on Wednesday.
The A's beat the Rangers 9-4 in the first game and Texas held on for a 12-11 win in the nightcap, highlighted by three RBIs each from Jonah Heim and Nathaniel Lowe.
Oakland scored four runs in the ninth before Kirby Yates earned his seventh save by retiring Tyler Nevin on a flyball to right with runners on first and second.
Langeliers hit another two-run homer in the second game and added a run-scoring groundout. He topped Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson for the Oakland record for RBIs in a doubleheader. Jackson drove in seven on Aug. 24, 1969, against Baltimore — three in the first game and four more in the second.
“That's crazy,” Langeliers said. “I saw the ball really well today. I thought I put good swings on good pitches to hit, just one of those days for me where I came through and got some RBIs on the board for the team. All around, looking back on the day, just a wild day. It seemed like both offenses were really getting after it.”
Langeliers has 21 RBIs against the Rangers, his most against any opponent.
“Shea's been swinging the bat really well against them," said JP Sears, who got the win in Game 1. “Any time Shea's up there you feel like there's a good chance he's going to put together at least a good at-bat or hit a homer.”
Oakland right-hander Osvaldo Bido (0-1) departed the second game — his A's debut — in the top of the third with a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand.
Brett Harris hit a go-ahead homer in the opener and Brent Rooker added a three-run drive in the seventh for the A's, who backed Sears (3-2) and snapped a three-game skid that came after a six-game win streak.
Marcus Semien homered for the Rangers against his former club. Leody Taveras then connected for a tiebreaking two-run shot in the fourth.
Langeliers went deep in the second for his eighth homer. He doubled home two runs in the fourth and tripled in J.D. Davis in the sixth.
Langeliers drove in four at Texas on April 9, when almost single-handily beat the Rangers 4-3 — hitting three homers, including a two-run shot in the ninth inning after a pair of earlier solo shots.
“It's weird how that seems to keep lining up,” Langeliers said. “I was actually having a laugh with Nate Lowe on first base, just seems like I'm getting all my hits against the Rangers right now.”
Sears won back-to-back starts for the first time this year. He allowed four runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings.
Tyler Soderstrom hit a two-run homer in the nightcap for Oakland.
David Robertson (2-0) pitched two innings for the Rangers in the second game for the win.
Texas right-hander Michael Lorenzen (2-2) struck out six over six innings in the first game, but was hurt by the two home runs and lost for the first time in four road starts this season.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Rangers: RHP Max Scherzer, scratched from his second scheduled rehab start because of thumb soreness, is taking a few more days before resuming his throwing program. “He was feeling some discomfort still in that lower thumb, upper kind of wrist area, and decided before we progress him, we want to make sure he’s fully recovered,” general manager Chris Young said. “So, my hope is that he starts feeling better and we can pick up where we left off and continue his rehab and join us soon.” Scherzer is rehabbing from surgery in mid-December to repair a herniated disk in his lower back, and said that isn’t giving him any issues. ... RHP Dane Dunning went on the 15-day injured list retroactive to Sunday with a strained rotator cuff.
Athletics: LHP Ken Waldichuk, on the 60-day injured list with a UCL sprain in his pitching arm, is set to be examined by Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Monday. Waldichuk suffered a setback in his rehab after facing hitters April 29. ... SS Darell Hernaiz underwent an MRI exam on his left foot that revealed a severe ankle sprain. He was placed on the 10-day IL and saw a foot specialist who determined he won't need surgery but will wear a boot and have a lengthy recovery. Hernaiz left Tuesday's game after landing awkwardly on first base while running out a groundball. ... 2B Zack Gelof (left oblique strain) joined Triple-A Las Vegas in Round Rock and is likely to begin his rehab assignment this weekend, while INF Aledmys Diaz (strained right calf) is scheduled to play there Friday in a rehab appearance.
UP NEXT
Rangers: Had yet to announce their rotation for a weekend series at Colorado.
A's: RHP Paul Blackburn (3-1, 3.00 ERA) is scheduled for the series opener Friday at Seattle.
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
Oakland Athletics' Shea Langeliers runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run off Texas Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter, background, during the second inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Oakland Athletics' Shea Langeliers hits a two-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the second inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Oakland Athletics' Shea Langeliers (23) celebrates with Seth Brown, left, after hitting a two-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the second inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Texas Rangers' Adolis García reacts after hitting an RBI double against the Oakland Athletics during the eighth inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Oakland Athletics' Tyler Nevin reacts to being called out on strikes during the eighth inning in the second baseball game of the team's doubleheader against the Texas Rangers, Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, left, hands the ball over to pitcher David Robertson, who replaced Josh Sborz during the sixth inning in the second baseball game of the team's doubleheader against the Oakland Athletics, Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Texas Rangers pitcher Josh Sborz walks off the field with an injury during the sixth inning in the second baseball game of the team's doubleheader against the Oakland Athletics, Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien throws to first base for the out on Oakland Athletics' JJ Bleday during the fourth inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Oakland Athletics' Brett Harris, left, slides back safely to second base next to Texas Rangers shortstop Josh Smith on a pickoff attempt during the sixth inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Oakland Athletics pitcher Kyle Muller, left, tags out Texas Rangers' Adolis García at home plate during the eighth inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Oakland Athletics' Shea Langeliers reacts after striking out with the bases loaded to end the sixth inning in the second baseball game of the team's doubleheader against the Texas Rangers, Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Texas Rangers' Marcus Semien, right, celebrates with Nathaniel Lowe after hitting a solo home run against the Oakland Athletics during the third inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Texas Rangers' Marcus Semien celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Oakland Athletics during the third inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Texas Rangers pitcher Michael Lorenzen, center, catches a pop-up hit by Oakland Athletics' Esteury Ruiz during the second inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Texas Rangers' Marcus Semien, right, celebrates with third base coach Tony Beasley after hitting a solo home run against the Oakland Athletics during the third inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Texas Rangers' Leody Taveras celebrates his two-run home run against the Oakland Athletics during the fourth inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Texas Rangers' Leody Taveras tosses his bat after hitting a two-run home run against the Oakland Athletics during the fourth inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Texas Rangers' Leody Taveras hits a two-run home run against the Oakland Athletics during the fourth inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien, left, turns a double play after forcing out Oakland Athletics' Max Schuemann at second during the fourth inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. Esteury Ruiz was out at first on the play. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Texas Rangers' Leody Taveras, center, celebrates with Marcus Semien, left, and Ezequiel Duran after hitting a two-run home run against the Oakland Athletics during the fourth inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Oakland Athletics' Shea Langeliers watches his two-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the second inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Oakland Athletics' Shea Langeliers, right, runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run off of Texas Rangers pitcher Michael Lorenzen, foreground, during the second inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Oakland Athletics' Shea Langeliers hits a two-run home run during the second inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Texas Rangers, Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Oakland Athletics' Shea Langeliers, right, celebrates with Brent Rooker, left, after hitting a two-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the second inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
