Grandmother Of Slain 22 Year Old Had A Lot To Say At This Year’s White House Black History Month Event
It was meant to be a Black History Month celebration. It turned into one of the most talked-about moments of the week.
During Wednesday’s event at the White House, Forlesia Cook — a Washington, D.C., grandmother who lost her 22-year-old grandson, Marty William McMillan Jr., to gun violence in 2017 — delivered an impassioned and unscripted defense of President Donald Trump that electrified the East Room.
Cook has spoken publicly for years about her grandson’s killing, even testifying before Congress in the aftermath of the tragedy. But when Trump invited her to share a few words at the podium, she pivoted from personal grief to political conviction.
“I love him, I don't want to hear nothing you got to say about that racist stuff,” Cook said firmly, addressing critics who have long accused Trump of racial insensitivity. “And don’t be looking at me on the news, hating on me because I’m standing up for somebody that deserves to be standing for.”
Her tone sharpened as she continued.
“Get off the man’s back,” she declared. “Let him do his job. He’s doing the right thing. Back up off him.”
Then came the line that sealed the moment: “And grandma said it.”
The crowd responded instantly — applause and cheers filling the East Room as Cook stepped back from the microphone.
"He keeps it real just like Grandma." ❤️ https://t.co/tNeYFPVjtE pic.twitter.com/TF6DuCWKrs
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 18, 2026
Trump appeared delighted by the exchange, praising her remarks and joking that she should consider a run for office. “Wow, that’s pretty good,” he said. “When is she running for office? Forlesia, when are you running for office? You have my endorsement.”
Cook also credited Trump’s decision to call in the National Guard to the capital and voiced support for what she described as his tough-on-crime approach. “One thing I like about him, he keeps it real, just like grandma,” she said. “I appreciate that because I can trust him.”
The moment stood out not just for its emotion, but for its setting. Black History Month events at the White House often focus on legacy and reflection. This one also became a live rebuttal to one of Trump’s most persistent criticisms.
The president also used the occasion to reflect on the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson. “Jesse was a piece of work,” Trump said candidly, before adding that he was “a good man” and “a real hero” with “lots of personality, grit and street smarts.”
In addition, Trump announced that former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
But it was Cook’s remarks that lingered.