The Most Disappointing Black Political Sellouts—Ever

From Kanye to Candace Owens, here are the political sellouts doing the most.

We all know that Black folks don’t think alike. However, marginalized communities have it rougher than white folks so their political interests should lie in equality and leveling the playing field. But as we know, that’s not always the case.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Shannon Sharpe Faces $50M Lawsuit Amid Chilling Abuse Accusations And Leaked Messages

As Republicans continue to uplift MAGA idealism—which includes white supremacy, xenophobia, control over women’s bodies and capitalism—some Black folks still don’t understand what’s at stake by supporting the GOP. Here are some of the biggest political sellouts and letdowns.

Herschel Walker

Photo: Getty Images Alex Wong

Not only is he a complete buffoon, Herschel Walker is one of the most hypocritical Black conservatives ever. Though he branded himself as a Christian father and husband during his Georgia senate run, multiple women said the ex-football star funded their abortions. Walker also has a history of abusing women and reportedly stole money from his own campaign. He also called Black homes fatherless, denied climate change and lied about his education.

Kanye West

Photo: Getty Images Justin Shin

Kanye West has truly been a huge disappointment. He has declared that “White Lives Matter,” publicly supported Donald Trump and made antisemitic statements that have led to the undoing of his career. West’s 2020 presidential campaign was a shit show in every meaning of the word. The rapper has also stated that he “loves the way Candace Owens thinks” and infamously that slavery was a choice. West has also made several antisemitic remarks.

Tim Scott

Photo: Getty Images Christian Monterrosa

Tim Scott is tried—and failed—to convince the masses to make him the 2024 Republican presidential nominee. He campaigned on the premise that “America isn’t a racist country” (and using his own professional success as evidence of this) and that welfare was worse for Black folks than slavery was. Once he dropped out of the race, Scott quickly endorsed Trump for President and said that he loved him. Ew.

Harrison Floyd

Screenshot: Fox 5 Atlanta

Harrison Floyd, the former director of Black Voices for Trump, is one of the former president’s co-defendants in Fulton County DA Fani Willis’ election interference case. In addition to the Georgia charges, Floyd is facing charges for allegedly aggressively confronting two FBI agents sent to serve him with a grand jury subpoena. Though he is out on bond, Floyd sadly remains a staunch Trump supporter.

Candace Owens

Photo: Getty Images Jason Davis

Candace Owens hosts a podcast for the Daily Wire and is known for uplifting white supremacist ideology. She constantly disparages Black people regardless of the platform, whether it’s insulting Black women rappers, the Black Lives Matter movement a scam, said George Floyd died from a drug overdose and still supports Trump. She truly is the worst.

Azealia Banks

Photo: Getty Images Lexie Moreland

Azealia Banks is known for her outlandish commentary and beefing with just about everybody. However, her political alignment is not a joke. Not only was she a Trump supporter back in 2016, but Banks reaffirmed her support for him just last year. Her reasoning is that Trump would vehemently protect the second amendment and is “funny.”

Jason Whitlock

Photo: Variety

The Fearless with Jason Whitlock host has always spouted hateful rhetoric. He has infamously said that the worst thing someone can be in our current cultural climate is a “heterosexual Christian male,” called transgender people “satanic,” and says he’s hardcore MAGA. The sports journalist turned right-wing fanatic has insisted rappers are part of Satan’s army. Whitlock uses religious beliefs to wrongfully attack others—and was recently called out by Stephen A. Smith for his antics.

Sage Steele

Photo: Getty Images Greg Doherty

The ex-ESPN anchor is a notorious anti-vaxxer, says she“respects the hell” out of Candace Owens and insisted that Barack Obama isn’t really Black because “his Black dad was nowhere to be found.” Sage Steele is also a passionate Trump supporter and has said that white people have been the least racist to her—even though she let UFC fighter Chael Sonnen pull her hair on national television to prove that it was real. She truly is an embarassment.

Clarence Thomas

Photo: Getty Images Drew Angerer

The infamous conservative Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas was accused of sexual misconduct by Anita Hill and helped overturn Roe v. Wade in addition to affirmative action as it pertains to college admissions. Thomas has allegedly taken extravagant gifts from wealthy white benefactors and his wife, Ginni, worked diligently—and illegally—to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.

Sexyy Red

Photo: Getty Images Scott Dudelson

Not that folks are looking to Sexyy Red for political commentary, but the “Pound Town” rapper made headlines when she went on a conservative podcast to cape for Trump. “I like Trump,” the rapper, whose real name is Janae Wherry, told podcast host Theo Von on “This Past Weekend.” Sexyy also said that the hood supports him because he gave them stimulus checks. It’s factually inaccurate and the emcee does not speak for all Black people.

Mark Ponder

Screenshot: The Independent

Mark Ponder was gullible enough to storm the Capitol on Jan. 6 with other Trump supporters and thought he could get away with it. In reality, he was sentenced to 63 months in prison after he attacked several police officers with a weapon during the Capitol riot. Ponder pleaded guilty to felony assault and received the longest punishment in relation to the violent event.

Daniel Cameron

Photo: Getty Images Jon Cherry

Daniel Cameron is the Trump-backed Republican State Attorney who will throw Black people under the bus if it means getting ahead. The Louisville NAACP had previously called for Cameron’s immediate resignation “for failing to conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor.” Cameron did not charge the four officers involved in the death of Breonna Taylor during a botched-no knock warrant attempt in March of 2020. He is also against gun control and pro-life (except in cases of rape and incest).

Harris Faulkner

Photo: Getty Images Terry Wyatt

Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner has ignorantly criticized Black Lives Matter by bringing up cities like Chicago, killings of children and the need to protest “Black-on-Black crime.” Faulker has also stated President Biden “hates at least half” of Americans and had the nerve to claim that immigrants “make our country look like what they left.” Faulker wants to be taken seriously, but her first mistake was agreeing to be on Fox News in the first place.

Eric Johnson

Photo: Dallas Observer

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson changed his political party from Democrat to Republican. For nine years, Johnson served in the Texas Legislature as a Democrat before becoming mayor in 2019. During his time in office, he has fostered a strong relationship with Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia. In an op-ed, Johnson wrote that Democratic policies “exacerbate homelessness, coddle criminals and make it harder for ordinary people to make a living.” He is currently going through a messy divorce with wife Nakita Johnson who accused him of having an affair.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Exclusive: Angela Bassett, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

Exclusive: Angela Bassett, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

The Root Exclusive Series: Black History Month was established 100 years ago, in February 1926. To commemorate this momentous occasion, 100 Black thought leaders and creators share their collective wisdom and insight for the culture in this ongoing series …
Inside the Life and Legacy of Jesse Jackson, the Civil Rights Icon Dead at 84

Inside the Life and Legacy of Jesse Jackson, the Civil Rights Icon Dead at 84

As we continue to mourn Jesse Jackson, here’s everything you need to know about his personal life and impressive political career …
Photo: Getty Images Michael DeMocker

Unknown Black Mardi Gras Facts They’ll Never Teach You in School

The annual Mardi Gras celebration has greater ties to Black history and culture than what meets the eye …
'ANTM's' Miss J Shares a Heartbreaking Health Update -- and Infuriating Tyra Banks News

‘ANTM’s’ Miss J Shares a Heartbreaking Health Update — and Infuriating Tyra Banks News

After years of teaching young aspiring models to werk the runway, “America’s Next Top Model” coach Miss J Alexander reveals a terrifying health scare in 2022 …
America is Experiencing the Age of the Dominus: Our Moment of Truth

America is Experiencing the Age of the Dominus: Our Moment of Truth

OPINION: We struggle to find the language appropriate to describe President Donald Trump’s second term. It’s all more nuanced than most folks think …
Jesse Jackson, One of the Last Civil Rights Era Legends, Dies at 84

Jesse Jackson, One of the Last Civil Rights Era Legends, Dies at 84

Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader and protégé of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., died at home surrounded by family …
Wild New Development After Michigan Man Finds Remains of Two Murdered People in New Home's Shed

Wild New Development After Michigan Man Finds Remains of Two Murdered People in New Home’s Shed

A Michigan double homicide investigation went cold after a couple’s remains were found in a shed by a new homeowner in 2023— until now …
Florida Pastor TD McNutt Faces New Outrage After Teen Accuser's 'Coerced' Apology Video Sparks Concern

Florida Pastor TD McNutt Faces New Outrage After Teen Accuser’s ‘Coerced’ Apology Video Sparks Concern

After Florida Pastor TD McNutt was charged with cruelty toward a child, TikTok alleged he “forced” his teen accuser to apologize …
Don Lemon Breaks Silence Over That Viral Video of His Husband Not Playing About Him!

Don Lemon Breaks Silence Over That Viral Video of His Husband Not Playing About Him!

After Don Lemon went viral about his real life “bodyguard,” the former CNN anchor is opening up about how he knew Malone was “the one.” …
President Barack Obama Just Gave The Answer To One of The Biggest Conspiracy Theories Ever

President Barack Obama Just Gave The Answer To One of The Biggest Conspiracy Theories Ever

Wait, President Barack Obama just admitted that he believes in the existence of aliens? …
Photo: Getty Images Kevin Dietsch

Why Biden Deserves a Place On the Black Mount Rushmore But These Other Presidents …Hell No

When it was about the business of Black Americans, Biden handled far more of it than Presidents like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, etc …
Pastors On Whether The Black Church Is Ruining Women’s Chances at Marriage?

Pastors On Whether The Black Church Is Ruining Women’s Chances at Marriage?

As Black women carry leadership and spiritual responsibilities in the church, faith leaders explore whether the Black church supports their paths to marriage or creates challenges in navigating modern dating …
Beyoncé's New Look Has Hair Stylists Preparing for a New Trend

Beyoncé’s New Look Has Hair Stylists Preparing for a New Trend

According to one hairstylist on TikTok, the bob is making a comeback in 2026 …
All About Bobby Garnett, the Black Godfather of Vintage Fashion Who Inspired Ralph Lauren

All About Bobby Garnett, the Black Godfather of Vintage Fashion Who Inspired Ralph Lauren

From high-end fashion designers to Hollywood costume designers, Bobby Garnett’s vintage clothing collection has had a major impact on the fashion industry …
BHM 2026: Black History Documentaries That <i>Won't</i> Traumatize You

BHM 2026: Black History Documentaries That Won’t Traumatize You

Black history is more than just reliving the traumatizing experiences and of our past! Check out these Black documentaries focused on celebrating Black joy …
New Voting Bill Dusts Off Old Voter Suppression Tactics

New Voting Bill Dusts Off Old Voter Suppression Tactics

Voting rights advocates are warning that the SAVE America Act could disenfranchise voters, especially women, Black and Hispanic people, and young voters …
Maybe You’re Single on Valentine’s Day Because You Listen to Social Media

Maybe You’re Single on Valentine’s Day Because You Listen to Social Media

In today’s social media era, chances are you or someone you know takes bad relationship advice on the internet seriously. Stop it …
Messy New Details Emerge in ‘RHOA’ Star Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker Divorce Timeline

Messy New Details Emerge in ‘RHOA’ Star Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker Divorce Timeline

The divorce between Kandi Burress and Todd Tucker is starting to get a bit more testy. Here’s the latest in their unfortunate saga! …
15 Best Hip-Hop Love Songs For Valentine's Day

15 Best Hip-Hop Love Songs For Valentine’s Day

To get you in the mood for Valentine’s Day, here are some of The Root’s favorite rap love songs …
Grand Jury Calls D4vd's Family to the Witness Stand in Tragic Celeste Rivas Investigation

Grand Jury Calls D4vd’s Family to the Witness Stand in Tragic Celeste Rivas Investigation

D4vd’s family are fighting a court subpoena in connection to the death of Celeste Rivas, the teen found stuffed inside a Tesla …