Actor Isaiah Washington tipped his hat to President Donald Trump in gratitude while slamming former President Obama for offering him no support in eight years “regarding Africa or the Black Agenda.”
Washington applauded Trump’s criminal justice reform efforts and the First Step Act, which was passed by Congress last year, in a tweet sharing that he was invited to the White House for the “First Step Act Celebration.”
It’s been awhile since I’ve been to the @WhiteHouse I’m really excited to be back celebrating the historic signing of the #FirstStepAct The new law that has begun the end of mass incarceration. ?? pic.twitter.com/Wh8sB6ukaD
— Isaiah Washington (@IWashington) April 1, 2019
“I voted for 44 twice. I even checked my emails in his Senate Office while lobbying for Salone to be given another chance to rebrand,” the former “Grey’s Anatomy” star tweeted Monday. “Not once in 8 years was I given any support regarding Africa or the Black Agenda, but 45 invites me to the WH to celebrate the #FirstStepAct.”
I voted for 44 twice. I even checked my emails in his Senate Office while lobbying for Salone to be given another chance to rebrand. Not once in 8 years was I given any support regarding Africa or the Black Agenda, but 45 invites me to the WH to celebrate the #FirstStepAct ??♂️
— Isaiah Washington (@IWashington) April 1, 2019
The actor noted that the bill is the first step to “end mass incarceration” in follow up tweets thanking those who worked to get the First Step Act passed.
Those who know, know that I’m not a Democrat or a Republican. I will work w/h anyone as long as things get done. The #FirstStepAct was passed on December 21, 2018 w/h the hard work of @JessyMichele @LouislReed @VanJones68 and @cut_50 I’m proud to stand with them all today. ?? pic.twitter.com/Y1yTIs088g
— Isaiah Washington (@IWashington) April 1, 2019
The bill, which passed with strong bipartisan support, allowed judges more discretion in sentencing drug offenders, increased opportunities for prison rehab programs and expanded early-release programs.
Tonight at the White House, President Trump celebrated the passage of the First Step Act: “It was time to fix this broken system . . . and to improve the lives of so many people.” pic.twitter.com/yATiHIir1o
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 1, 2019
Trump spoke at the event from East Room on Monday hosting about 300 guests, including some convicted felons.
Prisoner freed by @realDonaldTrump via the First Step Act:
“Two months ago I was in a prison cell. Now I’m in the White House. Let’s continue to Make America Great Again.”
You’d to have a heart of stone to not think this is a positively wonderful moment in White House history pic.twitter.com/AgFR92w3hw
— Benny (@bennyjohnson) April 2, 2019
According to The New York Times:
The East Room celebration capped a day of events dedicated to overhauling the criminal justice system, an issue that agencies across the government have been asked to elevate.
The labor secretary, Alexander Acosta, participated in a panel on work force development. Ben Carson, the secretary of Housing and Urban Development, led a session about prisoner re-entry. Ivanka Trump, the president’s daughter and senior adviser, weighed in at a session dealing with incarcerated women. Kim Kardashian, the reality TV star, was even invited to participate in the panels and the party, but could not attend.
Washington shared some videos from the event on Twitter as well.
The East Room…#FirstStepAct ?? pic.twitter.com/ottaxDwwbQ
— Isaiah Washington (@IWashington) April 1, 2019
The East Room…#FirstStepAct ?? pic.twitter.com/Ymea516KUm
— Isaiah Washington (@IWashington) April 1, 2019
The actor ended his day’s recap with a call for Trump to deliver reparations in 2020.
.@realDonaldTrump you freed 3,000 Federal Prisoners, got 16,000 in drug rehabilitation programs and now you just need to deliver #Reparations2020 #FirstStepAct ?? pic.twitter.com/ruzXipPe1O
— Isaiah Washington (@IWashington) April 2, 2019
Twitter users agreed with Washington’s view that Trump put politics aside to get important things done while Obama never delivered.
It’s the other way around, POTUS invited anyone who wanted to help on this issue regardless of their political views. President Trump listened to their ideas and concerns and made it happen.
— Deplorable me (@formarrowdbs) April 3, 2019
Exactly. Van Jones is an Obama guy. But it didn’t happen under Obama.
Just what DID Obama do for the black community? ???#MAGA#FirstStepAct
— Laurel Anderson (@loveday45) April 3, 2019
Now you know who really cares. You can know more about person by their actions than anything else, including the color of their skin.
— Bee McGrath (@BeverlyMcGrat12) April 2, 2019
I thought that Obama would finally bring an end to racial divisiveness, but instead, he and the democrats doubled down on exacerbating it for political gain.
— Utterly_Ridiculous (@UtterlyRidicul1) April 2, 2019
“As president, I pledged to work with both parties for the good of the whole nation,” Trump told the audience at the celebration, adding that “my administration intends to fully fund and implement this historic law.”
April is “Second Chance Month,” and last night at the White House, President Trump used the occasion to celebrate a monumental achievement in reforming America’s criminal justice system. pic.twitter.com/AOhhsG5HPT
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 2, 2019
“Our country can achieve amazing breakthroughs when we put politics aside and put the interests of all Americans first,” Trump said.
“Our country can achieve amazing breakthroughs when we put politics aside and put the interests of all Americans first.” pic.twitter.com/cb7MC5MsaC
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 1, 2019
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