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A Washington, D.C., grandmother who lost her grandson to gun violence delivered a fiery defense of President Donald Trump during a Black History Month celebration Wednesday at the White House.
Forlesia Cook’s grandson, Marty William McMillan Jr., was killed in 2017 at the age of 22. Cook has since spoken publicly about the loss, including testifying before Congress about his killing.
After Trump invited Cook to say a few words at the event, she used the moment to defend him, urging critics to “get off the man’s back.”
“I love him, I don’t want to hear nothing you got to say about that racist stuff,” she said. “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.”
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Forlesia Cook speaks during a Black History Month celebration at the White House, where she defended President Donald Trump and praised his tough-on-crime stance. (SAUL LOEB/AFP)
Cook’s voice grew louder as she continued.
“Get off the man’s back,” she said. “Let him do his job. He’s doing the right thing. Back up off him.”
She ended her remarks by declaring, “And grandma said it.”
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President Donald Trump speaks during a Black History Month event in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 18, 2026. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)
The East Room crowd erupted in applause and cheers.
Trump appeared to welcome the praise, joking that she should run for public office.
“Wow, that’s pretty good,” Trump said. “When is she running for office? Forlesia, when are you running for office? You have my endorsement.”
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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 him, he keeps it real, just like grandma,” she said. “I appreciate that because I can trust him.”
The White House event marked the annual celebration of Black History Month.
Washington, D.C., 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 addressed the death of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, saying, “I wanted to begin by expressing a sadness at the passing of a person who was, I knew very well, Jesse was a piece of work. He was a piece of work, but he was a good man.”
“I just want to pay my highest respects to Reverend Jesse Jackson,” Trump added, calling him “a real hero” and saying, “he really was special, with lots of personality, grit and street smarts.”
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The president also announced that former Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Fox News Digital’s Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report.
