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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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.
Michael Sinkewicz is a writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to michael.sinkewicz@fox.com
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/grandmother-tells-trump-critics-get-off-mans-back-during-white-house-black-history-month-event