Trump Sparks Backlash For Saying Aretha Franklin Worked For Me During Tribute

Aretha Franklin , the Queen of Soul who created anthems for the civil rights movement, died on Thursday at the age of 76. Tributes full of love, memories and respect for her contributions to society flooded the internet and television screens.

And then there was President Donald Trump s homage, which raised a lot of eyebrows.

In addition to tweeting about Franklins death, Trump gave a statement during a Cabinet meeting Thursday morning. He reacted to the news by offering sympathies to the singers family as well as a rather more suspect sentiment. The presidents remarks, as released by the White House press office, were in full:

I want to begin today by expressing my condolences to the family of a person I knew well. She worked for me on numerous occasions. She was terrific Aretha Franklin on her passing. She brought joy to millions of lives and her extraordinary legacy will thrive and inspire many generations to come. She was given a great gift from God her voice, and she used to well. People loved Aretha. She was a special woman. So just want to pass on my warmest best wishes and sympathies to her family.

Its true that the Respect singer performed at the Trumps Castle casino in 1988 and the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort in the 1990s, according to The New York Times and the Press of Atlantic City . But the fact that Trump chose to mention that she worked for [him] in praise of a woman who fought long and hard for equality rubbed many the wrong way.

When Trump says Aretha \"worked for him many times,\" he says with the arrogance of a slave owner...

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When Trump says Aretha "worked for him many times," he says with the arrogance of a slave owner...
Jeffrey St. Clair (@JSCCounterPunch) August 16, 2018

Earlier today you said Aretha Franklin \"worked\" for you. She may have performed at one of your hotels or casinos, Mr. Trump, but do not be confused; The Queen of Soul NEVER EVER WORKED for you. But you, Mr. Trump, you work for us and, sooner or later, you will be fired.

Sharon Gelman - Resist! (@sharongelman) August 16, 2018","type":"rich","meta":{"author":"Sharon Gelman - Resist!","author_url":"https://twitter.com/sharongelman","cache_age":86400,"description":"Earlier today you said Aretha Franklin \"worked\" for you. She may have performed at one of your hotels or casinos, Mr. Trump, but do not be confused; The Queen of Soul NEVER EVER WORKED for you. But you, Mr. Trump, you work for us and, sooner or later, you will be fired. Sharon Gelman - Resist! 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Earlier today you said Aretha Franklin "worked" for you. She may have performed at one of your hotels or casinos, Mr. Trump, but do not be confused; The Queen of Soul NEVER EVER WORKED for you. But you, Mr. Trump, you work for us and, sooner or later, you will be fired.
Sharon Gelman - Resist! (@sharongelman) August 16, 2018

OBAMAS ON ARETHA: \"Graced with a glimpse of the divine.\"

CLINTONS ON ARETHA: \"One of America's greatest national treasures.\"

TRUMP ON ARETHA: \"She worked for me.\"#ArethaFranklin

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OBAMAS ON ARETHA: "Graced with a glimpse of the divine."

CLINTONS ON ARETHA: "One of America's greatest national treasures."

TRUMP ON ARETHA: "She worked for me."#ArethaFranklin
Peter Daou (@peterdaou) August 16, 2018

I find it disturbing and sad, and a reflection of his endless narcissism, David Ritz told The Washington Post on Friday. Ritz helped Franklin write her 1999 autobiography and then wrote his own 2014 biography of her.

The writer suggested that Trumps comments were an attempt to claim some type of bond with Franklin, who Ritz said considered herself a Democrat. He added, Though Im certain there was none.

Trumps words also stand in stark contrast to the heartfelt tributes from other leaders , such as the Obamas and Clintons. Franklin performed at Bill Clintons and Barack Obama s inaugurations in 1993 and 2009, respectively. But their tributes did not attempt to subordinate her.

A post shared by Barack Obama (@barackobama) on Aug 16, 2018 at 9:38am PDT