Byron Donalds sparks controversy with comments on Black families during Jim Crow era

Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, a Republican, is facing criticism for his comments about Black families during the Jim Crow era. He said that Black families were "together" during that time. This caused a reaction from Democrats, including President Joe Biden's campaign. Donalds mentioned this at an event in Philadelphia where he was supporting former President Donald Trump's campaign to attract non-White voters. Donalds later clarified his statement in an interview with CNN. He acknowledged that Black Americans are in a better position today than during the Jim Crow era. He also emphasized that Black marriage rates were higher before certain social welfare programs were introduced during the Johnson administration. The Biden campaign and other Democrats strongly criticized Donalds' remarks. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed disapproval on the House floor. Donalds defended himself by explaining that he did not say Black people were better off under Jim Crow. He highlighted that more Black families existed back then and blamed certain Democratic policies for harming the Black family structure. Donalds made these comments during a Trump campaign event in Philadelphia aimed at attracting Black voters who typically support Democrats. The Black Conservative Federation, of which Donalds is the chairman, supported him and condemned the criticism from Jeffries. They found Jeffries' remarks disrespectful and inappropriate for a House Minority Leader.