Did a Black Lives Matter Leader Endorse Donald Trump for President?

Former Black Lives Matter Rhode Island leader Mark Fisher endorsed 2024 GOP frontrunner and former President Donald Trump for the presidency during an interview with Fox News (Right bias).

Key Quotes: Fisher stated, “We've been used and abused for so long by [the Democratic Party]. They don't value our vote. Their policies are basically racist policies. I believe it's a racist party. Donald Trump is the opposite. He's going to tell you how it is. He's going to give it to you straight.”

For Context: Newsweek (Center bias) quoted a spokesperson for Black Lives Matter Rhode Island stating that Fisher is “no longer affiliated with BLM RI,” adding, “His position with us was and is terminated.” A Snopes (Lean Left bias) fact check article stated that Fisher “does not necessarily speak for what is a vast movement with many members.”

How the Media Covered It: Both Snopes and Newsweek described Black Lives Matter as a “decentralized” social movement without a single hierarchy. Fox News did not include the note from BLM RI stating that Fisher is no longer affiliated with the group, instead reporting that “Fisher said he is still affiliated with Black Lives Matter.”

Why the Difference? Right-rated sources may emphasize Fisher’s affiliation with Black Lives Matter to add weight to reports that President Joe Biden is losing support among black voters. Left-rated sources may emphasize the decentralized nature of Black Lives Matter to minimize the perceived impact of Fisher's endorsement.