President Trump’s State of the Union Highlights Tuskegee Airman and His Great-Grandson

President Donald Trump openly courted Black voters during his State of the Union Address by recognizing a 100-year-old Tuskegee Airman, a Philadelphia fourth-grade student who wanted to attend a school of her choice, his commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the low unemployment rate.

“General McGee, our nation salutes you,” the President said.

Distinguished retired fighter pilot, Colonel Charles McGee, sat in the House Gallery and waved as Mr. Trump announced that earlier he had promoted the centenarian to the rank of Brigadier General. General McGee’s military career began when he became a Tuskegee airman and served in World War II.

“When the opportunity for Blacks to get into aviation came about, it turns out that the Army had said they couldn’t find use any Black pilots because they didn’t have any Black mechanics,” McGee recalled during an interview in 2019 with the American Veterans Center. “Mechanics training took place at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois, that’s 14 miles from the University…my ROTC instructor said, ‘You oughta be a pilot rather than a mechanic.’ I went and passed the pilot’s exam.”  

McGee also served during Korea and Vietnam. His great-grandson joined him in the spotlight during the President’s address when Trump identified Iain Lanphier as the top graduate of the Aerospace Career Education program sponsored by the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals and supported by the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Lanphier hopes to attend the Air Force Academy and participate in the Space Force.

A “Great Education” for All

Citing his commitment to making sure that every young American receives a “great education”, President Trump introduced Janiyah Davis and her mother, Stephanie. Stephanie applied for a tax-credit scholarship for daughter who is a fourth-grade student in Philadelphia but was waitlisted. Trump announced that Janiyah will have an opportunity to attend the school she chooses and awarded her a scholarship.

Trump also touted his support of HBCUs and maintained a sentiment he expressed during a September 2019 HBCU conference that he is “protecting and promoting and supporting HBCUs like never before.”

During the speech which lasted more than an hour, the President emphasized the country’s low unemployment rate. According to the President, the unemployment rate for Black Americans is the lowest in history, and Black youth unemployment has reached an all-time low. Trump also stated that poverty among Black Americas has declined to the lowest rate ever recorded.

Trump addressed the nation with the shadow of his impeachment hanging over his administration. He is expected to be acquitted of the charges by the Republican-controlled Senate tomorrow. He is the second President to give a State of the Union address after an impeachment.