More Than 100 U.S. Political Leaders Descend from Slave Owners

6/29/2023, 5:48:25 PM

Highlights: Reuters investigation traced family origins from politicians to slave families. Two of the Supreme Court justices, Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch are also descendants of families that owned slaves. A Reuters poll found that 23 percent of respondents would feel less inclined to vote for a candidate after learning their ancestors owned slave. Donald Trump's family does not share these origins as they immigrated to America after slavery was abolished. The research reveals the impact of past slavery on modern politics. The findings were published in the online edition of this week's edition of the magazine.

Reuters investigation traced family origins from politicians to slave families

A Reuters investigation has revealed that more than 100 U.S. political leaders descend from families that owned slaves in the past.

Of 536 members of Congress, at least 100 are descended from slave families, according to the Reuters analysis. Two of the Supreme Court justices, Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch are also descendants of families that owned slaves.

President Joe Biden and former presidents Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama also have slave-owning ancestors. Donald Trump's family does not share these origins as they immigrated to America after slavery was abolished.

The research reveals the impact of past slavery on modern politics. Despite the distant family connection, the slave background could move voters. A Reuters poll found that 23 percent of respondents would feel less inclined to vote for a candidate after learning their ancestors owned slaves.

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