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A Washington, DC, grandmother who lost her grandson to gun violence delivered a fiery defense of President Donald Trump during Black History Month celebrations Wednesday at the White House.
Forlesia Cook’s grandson, Marty William McMillan Jr., was killed in 2017 at the age of 22. Cook has spoken publicly about the loss, including testifying before Congress about his assassination.
After Trump invited Cook to say a few words at the event, he used the opportunity to defend him, urging critics to “get off the man’s back.”
“I love him, I don’t want to hear anything you have to say about those racist stories,” she said. “And don’t watch me in the news, you hate me because I represent someone who deserves to be represented.”
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Forlesia Cook speaks at the Black History Month celebration at the White House, where she defended President Donald Trump and praised his tough stance on crime. (SAUL LOEB/AFP)
Cook’s voice grew louder as he continued.
“Get off the man’s back,” “Oh! “Let him do his job. He did the right thing. He’s beautiful.”
He ended his words by announcing, “Nogogo said.”
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President Donald Trump speaks during a Black History Month event in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on Feb. 18, 2026. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)
The crowd in the East Room erupted in applause and cheers.
Trump appeared to accept the praise, joking that he should run for public office.
“Wow, that’s great,” Trump said. “When are you running for office? Forlesia, when are you running for office? You approve.”
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Cook also thanked Trump for calling the National Guard to the capital and praised his tough-on-crime approach.
“One thing I like about her, she keeps it real like grandma,” she said. “I’m grateful because I trust him.”
The White House event marked the annual celebration of Black History Month.
Washington, DC, grandmother Forlesia Cook delivered an emotional defense of President Trump during a Black History Month event at the White House. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Trump also spoke about the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson, saying, “I wanted to start by expressing my sadness for the passing of someone who I didn’t know very well, Jesse was part of the job. He was a job but he was a good man.”
“I want to honor the Reverend Jesse Jackson,” Trump said, calling him “a true hero” and saying, “He was truly special, with a lot of personality, wisdom and street smarts.”
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The president also announced that former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Ben Carson will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Fox News Digital’s Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report.
