Grandmother Praises Trump at White House Black History Event

Forlesia Cook thanks president for making Washington, D.C. safer with tough-on-crime policies

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A 70-year-old black grandmother whose grandson was killed in Washington, D.C. in 2017 thanked President Donald Trump for making her city safer with his tough-on-crime policies. At a White House Black History event, Forlesia Cook shredded race-hustling Democrats who smear Trump as 'racist' for trying to eradicate crime, saying 'Thank God for this president' and 'Get off the man's back. Let him do his job! He's doing the right thing.'

Why it matters

This event highlights the growing divide between some members of the black community who support Trump's law-and-order approach versus Democrats and the media who frequently accuse the president of racism. Cook's impassioned defense of Trump's policies challenges the dominant narrative around the president's relationship with the black community.

The details

Cook recounted how her 22-year-old grandson, Marty William McMillan Jr., was shot to death in 2017, and how Democrats ignored her pleas for help. She praised Trump for deploying the National Guard to D.C. to address the city's crime problems, saying 'If you take a life, you do life. Just that simple. If you do a harsh crime, you do harsh time. Just that simple.'

  • On April 23, 2017, Cook's grandson was shot to death.
  • In 2024, the killer, John Jabar McRae, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 16 years in jail.
  • The White House Black History event took place on February 18, 2026.

The players

Forlesia Cook

A 70-year-old black grandmother whose grandson was killed in Washington, D.C. in 2017.

Marty William McMillan Jr.

Cook's 22-year-old grandson who was shot to death in 2017.

John Jabar McRae

The killer of Cook's grandson, who was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in 2024 and sentenced to 16 years in jail.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who Cook praised for making Washington, D.C. safer with his tough-on-crime policies.

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What they’re saying

“Thank God for this president. I love him. I don't want to hear nothing you got to say about that 'racist' stuff.”

— Forlesia Cook, Grandmother (White House)

“Get off the man's back. Let him do his job! He's doing the right thing. Back off him. Grandma said it.”

— Forlesia Cook, Grandmother (White House)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.