Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump applauded the opening of the new African-American history museum in Washington, D.C., at a rally in Virginia Saturday night.
{mosads}“Today, the nation just opened the Smithsonian National Museum of American History — African-American art,” Trump said, referring to the National Museum of African American History and Culture that opened Saturday.
“It’s a really beautiful place. I saw it the other day in going around Washington and it looked beautiful. And we’re all really proud of it, I can tell you that. We congratulate and honor those involved with the project and recognize today the incredible contributions of the African-American community to this nation.”
The museum opened Saturday on the National Mall. Presidents George W. Bush and Obama spoke at the dedication, as well as civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.). First ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush were also on the stage.
Trump has been trying to improve his appeal to black voters, with whom he is polling far behind Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. He asked African-Americans what they had to lose by voting for him and bemoaned the rough conditions in America’s inner cities, but he also struck a more positive note on Saturday.
“African-Americans have given so much to our nation, and sacrifice so much for this nation. Many African-Americans are succeeding so greatly in our country, and I will make sure their success is protected and supported,” he said.