Explosive allegations of racist comments made by Republican governor candidate Mark Robinson on a pornography website have put Donald Trump’s chances of winning the southern battleground state of North Carolina in jeopardy. CNN reported that Robinson, in posts from 2008 to 2012 on the pornography forum Nude Africa, referred to himself as a “black NAZI!” and expressed support for “reinstating slavery.” Despite the controversy, Robinson has vowed to stay in the race and denied making these comments in a video posted on X, blaming his Democratic opponent Josh Stein for leaking the story to the press.
These allegations come at a time when Trump is already facing criticism for his association with far-right figures within the Republican party. Calls have been made for him to distance himself from Laura Loomer, a far-right social media influencer who has accompanied him to events. Additionally, baseless claims that Haitian immigrants are abducting and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio have further fueled concerns about Trump’s ties with radical fringes.
North Carolina is crucial for Trump’s electoral success. While it has consistently voted Republican since 2008, Democrats believe they have a chance of winning this state. Since Kamala Harris became their candidate, Democrats have been gaining ground in North Carolina, particularly among college-educated suburbs. According to FT’s poll tracker, Trump currently leads Harris by only 1.3 percentage points.
Robinson has been one of Trump’s closest allies and protégés recently. During a campaign rally earlier this year in Greensboro, North Carolina, Trump endorsed Robinson as “Martin Luther King on steroids,” praising his activism and referring to him as an even greater figure than Martin Luther King Jr., albeit jokingly.
Democrats have seized upon these revelations about Robinson’s past comments. Governor Roy Cooper took to X stating that both Donald Trump and NC GOP leaders embraced Robinson despite knowing his beliefs and disrespect towards women which incited violence.
The allegations made by CNN include statements from Robinson expressing support for slavery and enjoying watching tyranny on girl porn. The North Carolina Republican party released a statement categorically denying these allegations but acknowledging that they won’t stop attempts by the Left to demonize him through personal attacks.
Even before these recent developments came into light via CNN reportage; Democrats had already criticized Robinson as an extreme politician with toxic views regarding reproductive healthcare access for women.
