In a candid conversation during his web show Big Drive, actor and rapper Nick Cannon has ignited a firestorm of commentary by drawing parallels between the Democratic Party and the Ku Klux Klan, while simultaneously offering strong endorsements for President Donald Trump. The remarks, made during an on-road interview with model and prominent Trump supporter Amber Rose, have sparked debate about the historical evolution of American political parties and their current platforms.
Rose, who was a speaker at the 2024 Republican National Convention, asserted during the drive around California in a topless Chevrolet K5 Blazer, “Democrats don’t care about Black people. They don’t care about people of color, and the Republicans do. And that’s a misconception.”
Cannon wholeheartedly agreed, stating, “I agree with you 100 percent. People don’t know that Democrats are the party of the KKK. People don’t know that Republicans are the party that freed the slaves.”
Historical Context of Political Affiliations
These statements, while provocative, touch upon complex historical shifts in American politics. The Ku Klux Klan, initially formed after the Civil War with the explicit aim of terrorising newly freed Black Americans, did indeed find significant support among Southern Democrats. However, the Klan’s influence was not confined to one party; it also gained traction within the Republican Party. By the 1920s, membership was reportedly divided almost equally between Democrats and Republicans, according to historical accounts. It’s also a historical fact that President Abraham Lincoln, the Republican leader who signed the Emancipation Proclamation, was instrumental in freeing slaves.
However, contemporary political landscapes bear little resemblance to their historical roots. Significant realignments, particularly during the Civil Rights era, have fundamentally altered party loyalties and platforms.
Cannon’s Nuanced Stance on Political Parties
Despite his strong pronouncements, Cannon later clarified his position, stating he doesn’t “subscribe” to either major party. He paraphrased the words of W. E. B. Du Bois, suggesting that both the Republican and Democratic parties represent “one evil party with two different names.”
Yet, this nuanced view did not prevent him from expressing admiration for Trump, declaring, “I f*** with Trump.” Cannon elaborated on his support, noting that Trump “is doing what he said he was gonna do.” He even made a peculiar reference to the president’s executive order from January of the previous year, which he referred to as establishing the “Gulf of America now.”
The “Gold Card” and Immigration Policy
Cannon also lauded President Trump’s “Gold Card” initiative, an immigrant investor program designed to offer a expedited path to permanent residency for wealthy foreigners. Describing the program, Cannon likened it to a high-end club, saying, “He’s like the club, charging a $5 million dollar bottle service fee to get into the country.” This program, officially known as the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, has been a point of discussion regarding its impact on American immigration policy and its benefits for foreign investors.
Shared Conservative Views
Earlier in the interview, Cannon acknowledged a shared ideological ground with Amber Rose, who has openly embraced her conservative leanings. “Both you and I have some conservative views, you’re just a little bit more outspoken about it than I am,” Cannon confessed.
Amber Rose has previously identified as a “former liberal” who felt misled by media narratives concerning Donald Trump. In her address at the Republican National Convention, she articulated her journey of discovery: “I did my research and looked into all things Donald Trump. I realized Donald Trump and his supporters don’t care if you’re Black, white, gay or straight. It’s all love. And that’s when it hit me: these are my people. This is where I belong.”
Personal Lives and Family Dynamics
The conversation also veered into personal territory, touching upon their family lives. Despite residing in Los Angeles, a city often associated with liberal politics, Rose stated she has no intention of relocating. “I have my kids here,” she explained, referring to her two children whom she shares with two different fathers. “I would never take my children away from their dads.”
Cannon, who has 12 children with six different women, elicited a playful response from Rose: “I’m next, I need a third baby daddy.” Cannon’s witty reply, “Don’t threaten me with a good time,” added a lighthearted moment to the discussion.
