Nationwide — Vice President JD Vance has posted a message on social media saying that former President Donald Trump has saved more Black lives than any leader in U.S. history, using a peace deal in Africa to support his statement. Naturally, his post has sparked backlash online.
According to The Daily Beast, Vance posted the bold claim on Bluesky after a peace treaty was signed between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda on June 27. He called the deal “historic,” noting that the war had killed millions, most of them Black.
He then tagged Black Lives Matter leaders, saying they should thank Trump for his efforts. “I’m sure the leaders and supporters of the black lives matter movement will join me in celebrating President Trump today, who has done more to save black lives than any leader in our country,” Vance wrote.
He also tagged New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie, who has criticized Vance in the past. The vice president used the treaty as proof that Trump had a major global impact, especially for Black lives.
The Trump-Vance administration has a tense history with BLM. Trump once called the movement a “symbol of hate” and deployed the National Guard during protests in 2020. He allegedly asked, “Can’t you just shoot them?” in response to demonstrators.
Despite having “Blacks for Trump” supporters, Trump and Vance’s relationship with the Black community remains rocky. On the campaign trail, Trump made false claims that Haitian migrants were eating pets, leading to targeted attacks.
In office, their Cabinet includes only one Black member, Scott Turner. Still, Vance defended Trump’s role in the African peace treaty, saying it also benefits the U.S., with Congo offering mineral rights worth $24 trillion.
Trump echoed the praise, calling the war “one of the worst” and taking credit for helping end it. “I just happened to have somebody that was able to get it settled,” he said.
Not everyone agreed. Some users on Bluesky slammed Vance’s post, calling it exaggerated and false. One user replied, “OK now that’s just an outright lie bozo.”
Others supported him, with one Trump fan commenting, “Good job, now back to #AmericaFirst, please.”