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On Thursday, October 15, Smith joined comedian Bill Maher, musician Kid Rock and Trump for dinner at the White House. Smith said he was invited after Maher was told he could bring a guest. Smith accepted because he wanted to speak directly with Trump about issues that concerned him.
“I came there with three agendas. Number one, to address unemployment for Black women in this country,” stated Smith.
He added that he also wanted to discuss the Protect College Sports Act, which he doesn’t support, and that “number one on my list was HBCUs.” Smith said Trump admitted it never occurred to him that many businesses and individuals would be hesitant to make donations to historically Black colleges and universities as a result of his administration’s stance against diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
When the co-hosts referenced Trump’s history, which includes accusations of racial bias in renting his properties, Smith stood by his choice. “He’s the president of the United States, and I’ll be d----- if I’m not going to try,” Smith said.
He added, “He’s not going away until 2028.”
“You’re going to have to deal with him, and when it comes to getting things done, I’m all about exhausting every means and every measure to try to do what’s in the best interest of our community,” Smith said. “I’m not apologizing for that to anybody.”
After co-host Whoopi Goldberg referred to Trump’s treatment of Black Americans, women and Latinos as indefensible, Smith asked the show to extend an invitation to Trump, and the co-hosts indicated they had already attempted to get Trump to appear on the show.
