In a surprising turn of events, David Hilliard, a founding member of the Black Panther Party, has publicly endorsed Donald Trump for president in the upcoming 2024 election. Hilliard, who served as the Chief of Staff of the Black Panther Party, praised Trump as a "decent man" and an "ally of the black population."

The endorsement came during an interview with Carol Mitchell, a reporter who shared the video on TikTok. In the video, Hilliard stated, "Trump is a person who's a decent man, and he supported the Black Panther Party." He went on to say, "Trump's a friend of African Americans, and I knew Trump from the 1960s in New York, where he comes from, and he's a friend to African Americans."

Hilliard said. "He was someone who gave us money."

Hilliard's endorsement has sparked a great deal of discussion and debate, given the history of the Black Panther Party and its focus on addressing racial injustice and inequality. The Black Panther Party, founded in 1966, was a revolutionary socialist organization that advocated for the empowerment of African Americans and other marginalized communities.

While some have expressed surprise and skepticism about Hilliard's endorsement, others have pointed to Trump's record on criminal justice reform and his efforts to address issues affecting African Americans, such as the First Step Act, which aimed to reduce recidivism and improve conditions in federal prisons.

Hilliard's endorsement comes at a time when Trump is seeking to build support among African American voters, who historically have voted overwhelmingly for Democratic candidates. Recent polls have shown a slight increase in Trump's support among black voters, but he still faces an uphill battle in winning over a significant portion of this key demographic.

The Black Panther Party has a complex legacy, and Hilliard's endorsement of Trump is likely to be viewed through a variety of lenses. Some may see it as a betrayal of the party's principles, while others may view it as a pragmatic decision based on Trump's policies and actions.

As the 2024 election approaches, it remains to be seen how Hilliard's endorsement will impact Trump's standing among African American voters and the broader electorate.