Originally published at: How the Trump Administration Is Quietly Resegregating the American Workforce
This article is part of TPM Cafe, TPM’s home for opinion and news analysis. It was originally published at Balls and Strikes. When President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, the national unemployment rate was at 4 percent overall, and at 5.3 percent for Black workers. On Tuesday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its November 2025…
Because of course this admin would act like this. How else can we return to 1950s America???
These people are awful.
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Feature, not a bug. Yadda yadda. Rinse, repeat, Etc.
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The one disagreement I have with the title of this article is “QUIETLY”.
Like much of what Trump does, there is nothing quite about it.
For example Donald Trump has modified every government contract to remove from the Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) clause 52.222-21 titled “Prohibition of Segregated Facilities”. In fact at much expense to the Federal Government, he ordered all current contract modified unilaterally to remove that clause in existing contracts.
But in my view, blaming Trump is really missing the point and giving cover to the real problem in America, the American people.
That is Trump is only doing this because that is what his supporters want him to do. Trump supporters are more than willing to give up their healthcare and pay higher prices for everything and become poorer in exchange for keeping their racism.
For the entire history of America beginning with the Declaration of Independence when Thomas Jefferson’s first draft included a strong anti-slavery clause but had to be removed or else several colonies would choose to remain British colonies instead of forming a nation where all men were crated equal, there has been a conflict between American exceptionalism and White supremacy.
That is while Trump continues to enrich himself and in most cases enrich himself at the expense of the very people who support him, his base is more than happy to pay whatever price Trump and Republicans are charging because they hate Black people (although Trump supporters seldom say “Black people” when they think only like minded people are in the room) and others of color. Furthermore, this is not just a MAN thing as 53% of White women voted for Trump 3 times in spite of his attitudes and policies toward women.
The real problem is that those who support White (and I would add Christian) supremacy over American greatness have always been united and outspoken even when speaking in code while those who support American exceptionalism have been splintered and weak, afraid to offend anyone and often thinking if they just improve the lives of the White Christian nationalists they will change.
Most Republicans and Trump supporters are not going to change. In spite of all that progressive policies have given them, Trump supporters would rather give it back instead of having to sit next to a Black person on the bus. The only way to defeat this cancer in the American character I believe is to humiliate them by a united opposition speaking in plain language the truth about the racists and having policies that reward states that practice American exceptionalism and punish states that support White Christian supremacy.
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I know racism exists but I am not sure it is the driver in modern American life that many upper middle class people on both the right and left believe. There are way too many interracial marriages for racism to be the driving feature of American life.
We Democrats have allowed Republicans to frame our world view exclusively around the historic problem of race. Maybe if we just focused on improving the lives of everyone in the middle class we could all get something done for the America.
You do realize that America is the only industrial nation without universal healthcare and our education system is falling further and further behind. . Allowing ourselves to be distracted by culture wars has meant that we never get anything done for the bulk of Americans. Maybe that is why the Democratic party is in the shitter.
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ronbyers, where have you been for the last 60+ years? Noting that I have been in an interracial relationship since I first started dating my wife in 1987, perhaps I have a front row seat to this part of American life.
Discussing the racism my wife has faced in her own career would be too personal to discuss here, I will confine this discussion to my own experiences in personal settings where my wife is not present.
As an old White man, it often happens when I go to a bar and have a beer and a burger or brat, often other old White men start up a conversation with me thinking of course I think like them. When they find out I do not agree with them, they often say things like “you think and say this and your White”, or my own personal favorite when after discussing economics and my proving that Trump is screwing them more than minorities and women, they will, and I shit you not, accuse me of harboring illegal immigrants. That is when discussing economics and attacking Trump for stealing from them, they get upset because to them Trump is a mascot for their White grievance. In some cases the only thing that keeps the discussion from becoming violent is that I keep myself in much better physical shape them most of them or that my best friend a 6’6" 250 LB auto mechanic is sitting next to me.
That is Democrats have been focusing on making life better for everyone in the middle class and keep losing. All you have to do is look at ACA called Obamacare to make people think it by a Black man for Black people even though over 70% of those who have health insurance for themselves and their children are White people with a high school diploma or less living disproportionally in the South and rural areas or as the media calls them Trump’s base.
I mean the choice between American exceptionalism and White Christian supremacy was very much at the heart of the 2024 election just like it has been at the heart of every election of my life time and I am 67.
In fact it is beyond dispute that the “moral majority” was formed to oppose Jimmy Carter because he ended any federal funds going to institutions and especially colleges and universities that practiced segregation.
That is at least 35% and more likely over 40% of Americans are unsalvageable racists and all trying to help them does is lose site and the votes/participation of those who are salvageable.
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- I care about the American people, all of them.
- I have been alive for more than 60 years. When I was young my parents took my brothers and me on a road trip through the south and we personally saw “whites only” water fountains and restrooms. That was more than 60 years ago.
- I am truly worried that the Republicans have attracted much of the white working class to MAGA. How has that happened. Some of the white working class are true racists but most are just regular people who have been relentlessly sold the bill of goods that black people are stealing their jobs and futures. That said most white people deal with black and brown people all the time in real life and know better.
- The Democratic party (which used to be the party of the working man) has become a party that is filled with people, like you, who have bought the idea that all white working people are racists. That is a position that both the Democratic and Republican parties have pushed each for its own reasons. The result is America has stagnated when it comes to solving large problems for all Americans. Both parties are underwater.
- If the Democratic party wants to get above water it will stop with repeating the Republican’s racist meme and start acting like it is color blind and working for the betterment of all Americans.
- If you think that makes me racist, you are the person with the problem.
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1850s.
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I would add that the difference between the white “christian” (mostly) males, and the liberal way of thinking is that we liberals may bicker and fight, but eventually come to a consensus that includes as many people as possible, but the rightwing thinking is that everyone has to be on the exact same page, and if that has to be done by force, so be it. They really like the black or white, dictatorial model because it relieves them of thinking very deeply about any issue. Nuance is really uncomfortable for them. While we as Democrats/Liberals/Progressives may take a long time to agree on any solution to any problem, we eventually do, even if while getting there
we look like the disorganized bunch of elitists/intellectuals that they accuse us of being.
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[quote=“ronbyers, post:8, topic:258221”]
I am truly worried that the Republicans have attracted much of the white working class to MAGA. How has that happened.
That is down to Jesse Helms and Storm Thurmond and the like ( most of them dead and burning in hell, thankfully) who led the Dixiecrats over to the Republican Party as part of Nixon’s “Southern Strategy” The Republicans have used these racist, low intellect people to turn the South totally Red. They may not like these people, but they know that these Fauxnooz viewers are their ticket to power, and power translates into money. They do understand how to trigger the racism and grievance in this population that gets them to the polls every time. Throw in the claim to be the only “christians” that god approves of, ( and that issue is a two page screed for another day) and the Republicans have hit on every nerve ending that these people have. Thankfully, these true MAGA believers are a minority of about 30%, and we can outvote them if we get off our lazy asses and fight for every vote in every race until we have brought this country back into the civilized, adult world. It is up to us.
Man you are still living in the last century. Most of the Dixiecrats are dead. Why the hell are you still fighting the last war. Calling 40 + percent of America “low intellect people” is about as smart as calling them deplorables. Those people are your neighbors and fellow Americans. I am sure you know a lot of them. I would guess however that you do all you can to stay inside your gated community and not associate with them. Your neighbors have lived the last 60 years enduring your outrageous liberal bigotry as well.
You are right 30% or so remain MAGA. How do you explain that nearly 50% voted against us in the last election? Maybe because 20% didn’t think the Democrats had a fucking thing to offer them or maybe Democrats didn’t understand their needs. I would like all Democrats to get off their asses and go after the votes of all Americans.
Your premise is very flawed.
Interracial marriages do not correlate in any manner as to racism being the driver in modern American for upper middle classes. The racism is systemic & institutionalized throughout the fabric of American life. That individuals engage in interracial marriage does not alter the fact of societal racism. Nor do the economics. Upper middle classes engage in covert racism as much as the lower middle class does overtly.
Not true.
Race is a divisive issue utilized by the GOP as historically it has proven to be highly effective. The Dems are not allowing any such framing…as LBJ said if you tell white Americans how much they are better than any race they will vote their color independent of policies & the poverty that ensues. They don’t give two FUQQs about being “middle class” when it comes to race/racism.
If you can convince the lowest white man he’s better than the best colored man, he won’t notice you’re picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on and he’ll empty them for you. LBJ
I want some modern evidence of the extensive societal racism you guys talk about. I don’t want to hear stories from 1950. It seems to me that many people on the left formed their view of race in the 1960s-70s and deny that any progress has been or can be made.
I mention inter racial marriage because it has become very, very common. Not even Clarence Thomas wants to ban it going forward. Benign neglect is a term that was coined by Patrick Daniel Moynihan back in 1970. It was too early then but I am not sure it is too early now. Democrats need to re -brand themselves the party of the working people regardless of color. I am not saying condone the racist policeman or politician, but don’t make responding to racism the center piece of the Democratic party movement. Calling everything racism to the exclusion of all else has cost America dearly.
How young are you that you need “modern evidence”. Were you alive for the NoKings Protest, how about death of GeorgeFloyd or even the present day administration that sends out weekly racist messages. It seems to me that the vast majority of Americans are witnessing societal racism virtually every time the current Oval Office occupant opens his mouth. Have you watched current events.
You asserted that the increase in interracial marriages meant there was less racism & that is simply flawed reasoning. Who was fired from Joint Chiefs of Staff, why is Hegseth wiping out DEI, and why does Trump target brown immigrants but not. European ones like his current & former wife? What rock are you up under not to see the progress that was made is being rolled back?
You need historical perspective to see just how much the VRA has been dismantled seeing as all the military bases named after Confederate officers have not highlighted for you how much progress is being rolled back. Confederacy row of statues in Richmond VA is still in the public space for Americans to look up to & revere those vile bigots.
*I mention inter racial marriage because it has become very, very common. Not even Clarence Thomas wants to ban it going forward. Benign neglect is a term that was coined by Patrick Daniel Moynihan back in 1970. It was too early then but I am not sure it is too early now. Democrats need to re -brand themselves the party of the working people regardless of color. I am not saying condone the racist policeman or politician, but don’t make responding to racism the center piece of the Democratic party movement. Calling everything racism to the exclusion of all else has cost America dearly*
Interracial marriages remain less than 10% in USA of all married couples. That is not very common. Why do you reach back to the 70s after requesting modern evidence. If you want modern let’s stick to the 21st century.
Democrats are the only multi-cultural political party. Responding to racism is essential when society is dominated by & tenaciously clings to white supremacist racist theory. Perhaps, you noticed that the 3 federal branches of our government are run by the GOP party, they have the majority in Congress & it was the racist white populace that voted for them.
That is not a Democrat problem. Rather, it is extensive systematic & institutionalized American racism that continues to rule American society.
What has cost America dearly is not repudiating, targeting, dismantling & destroying white supremacy and its heirarchal racist theories.
Look at what you even wrote. You believe there is more than one race. That is sheer BS & the very foundation of white supremacy. There is only one race. The human race; it originated in Africa. There is only one human DNA & it’s African DNA. Do you even understand that? … as it is fundamental fact essential to rebut white racism & supremacy theories. There is no such thing as biracial nor interracial. Humans are multi-ethnic not multi-racial.
Hopefully, that “modern” evidence which America refuses to teach in school will help you see just how little progress has been made.
You make a statement that is sort of off the wall. You say our society is dominated and tenaciously clings to white supremacist racist theory. I deny that our society is dominated by white supremacist racist theory. I don’t believe for a moment that we all tenaciously cling to white supremacist racist theory. Some do but most don’t.
We were all horrified by the George Floyd murder but the system worked. Derick Chauvin was sent to prison. I haven’t encountered many people who cling to white supremacist racial theory more than marginalized internet influencers on the far wings of both parties. Some demanding we install white supremacist racial theory and others who say fighting it is the only reason to be a Democrat.
How about making sure no American goes hungry, all Americans have a home and all American jobs pay a living wage. In my own family there are several white young adults who are having trouble finding real jobs that pay a living wage. Try affording an apartment and a car if you are working as a barista at Starbucks. If you want the attention of the non-boomer white people in my family you will work for an increased minimum wage and universal healthcare. A lot of those white young people are seeing the education system fail for themselves and their children. Want an important issue that cuts across racial lines, think education and child care. If you are focusing solely on race relations you aren’t helping the people I know who can use a society that cares. That probably means you don’t give a shit about their needs. Now, if you don’t give a shit about them why should they vote Democrat?
By the way 10% interracial marriages is a giant change from 1967 when Loving v. Virginia was decided.
Really? Did you even watch the election of Trump? All the millions of American voters who elected him were the majority, I did not say ALL, and are bigots just like him. Trump does not hide his bigotry neither do his supporters. Yes, they all cling to white supremacist theory and are racist. If you are unable to see or acknowledge that then we can’t communicate as you are being willfully ignorant. In fact, your words/commentary are the quintessential example of how the racism ‘*continues* to exist & is perpetuated.
That type of willful ignorance necessitated the Brown vs Bd.of Ed ruling that overturned separate but equal doctrine, followed by CRA & VRA…if white supremacy beliefs did not dominate American citizens conduct ICE officers along with NG would not be occupying cities like DC, Chicago, & LA. While you claim you want modern evidence you clearly missed the core essence of what LBJ said.
His quote is as relevant & true over a. half century later about American voters. Surely, you recognize that. Democrats are not focused on race, America is & the GOP recognizes that and uses it politically. Why did the sitting President attend Charlie Kirk’s funeral and lower the flag to half mast for an avowed racist? Is that modern enough evidence for you? A football stadium full of CK mourners?
For even more modern evidence see dangoodbar post above It’s excellent. He concisely points out how the GOP focuses on race & the Democrats respond to the racism with POLICIES that counter the racism & hate perpetuated by voters & their progeny that cling to white supremacist beliefs.
I respectfully responded to you only because you were making this a Democrat problem vs recognizing that divisive racial politics is the tool the GOP uses to win elections. Not the Democrats.
I was concerned about that, as your commentary is actually a GOP talking point used to deflect from GOP racistm & their racist policies.
Yezzzzz! Well said.
As WJC said, “wrong and strong beats right and weak everytime”. You just gotta love them southern boys like him & LBJ, they know how to encapsulate racism in a way that is as short & sweet as it is undeniable.
Wow. These remarks are ALL GOP talking points. You clearly missed what LBJ said.
Do you honestly believe that the GOP policies meet the needs of the deplorable?! The working class you think left Democrats to vote for GOP because GOP policies met their NEEDS? If these racist low intellect voters were not clinging to their entitled racist beliefs of white superiority they would see they are being robbed.
Did you not GET what LBJ said.?
Their hated filled grievances are fueled by racism. They hug their racism and dgaf about GOPpolicies.
The white working class is blinded by hate & the white supremacy beliefs they cling tenaciously to.. So much so they opened up their pockets for them. Long as they have white superiority they vote against economic policies that help them. Dont go blaming it on Democrats.
The working class that votes GOP don’t want blacks to have healthcare, SNAP, middle class jobs, or Medicaid. They would rather sell themselves down the river than allow blacks to be equal. Or as they say in kindergarten, they don’t want to share. Can’t you see that? They would rather throw the cookie in the trash than let blacks have a bite. Racism.
Are you unable to see how the low intellect, deplorable & working class are happier believing they stuck it to the coloreds than having effective economic policies that help them?
All of them are racist, that is the only common denominator. Racist hate.
The so called “liberals” are unable to get the low intellect deplorable voters to see otherwise. As they are driven by emotional hate. Racism is an emotion. There is no intellect involved.