Despite warranted public criticism from the African-American community and his consistent tendency to make blatantly racist statements, Donald Trump is convinced that he’ll win the Black vote.

The Republican presidential hopeful has found himself on the chopping block on countless occasions since announcing his run for the White House and people of color have rightfully been leading the pack.

Larry Wilmore Interviewed Some ACTUAL Black Trump Supporters

In addition to his prejudice commentary and questionable actions that have been outed by many in the Black community on a regular basis, Trump’s proposed policies affecting issues like immigration, gun control, Black Lives Matter, housing discrimination and equal rights for women all highlight his disregard for ensuring that minorities and people of color are given the same consideration as their white counterparts.

Trump was one of many influential celebrities who attending Tuesday night’s TIME 100 Gala at the Lincoln Center in NYC and he made a surprisingly bold declaration to REVOLT on the red carpet. When the network’s correspondent, Lawrence Jackson, asked Trump plainly, “why would I want to vote for you as a young, African-American male?” Trump spoke briefly about the effects of the current unemployment rate on the Black community and ended his reply by confidently asserting that he’d “win the Black vote” in the end.

Watch the video above.

Are you convinced?

WANT MORE FROM ESSENCE? Subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest in hair, beauty, style and celebrity news.