Roland Martin, the outspoken host of Roland Martin Unfiltered and founder of the Black Star Network, made a powerful return to Bermuda this week as he visited the island for the Butterfield Bermuda Open PGA Tournament. Known globally for his fearless commentary and unrelenting commitment to speaking truth to power, Martin reminded audiences exactly why many refer to him as the voice of Black America.
“This is actually my third time here,” Martin shared. “I keynoted back in ’09 and again around 2011 or 2012 when Premier Ewart Brown was in office. I do what I do — and I give them hell all across the world.”
And he didn’t hesitate to do just that.
Martin on Donald Trump: ‘A Twice-Impeached, Convicted Con Man’
When asked about former U.S. president Donald Trump, Martin didn’t soften his stance.
“First of all, I don’t call him president,” he said. “He hasn’t earned the right to be called that. Donald Trump is a twice-impeached, criminal convicted con man. He has no morals, no values, no principles, no ethics. There’s no bottom. He has no integrity, no honor, no decency.”
Martin explained Trump’s rise through the lens of race and history, referencing his book White Fear: How the Browning of America is Making White Folks Lose Their Minds.
“In American history, there has never been a period of Black success that wasn’t followed by white backlash,” he said. “Trump is a reflection of that backlash — a direct response to the rise of President Barack Obama.”
Recalling a 2016 meeting with media figures shortly after Trump’s election, Martin described the awkward moment when Trump approached him.
“He stuck his hand out and said, ‘Good to see you,’” Martin said. “All I said was, ‘Hi.’ That’s it. I couldn’t call him mister or president.”
On U.S. Politics and Timing: The Irony of Yesterday’s Events
Martin also reacted to questions about the timing of recent political events in Washington — including the ending of the government shutdown coinciding with the release of unsealed Epstein documents.
“It wasn’t ironic,” Martin clarified. “Speaker Mike Johnson didn’t want to seat the representative from Arizona, because she would have brought the vote count to 218. The moment they called the House back into session, the discharge petition took effect — that’s what drove the timing. It’s procedural power at work.”
Returning to Bermuda: Golf, Warm Weather, and Full-Circle Moments
Despite his heavy political commentary, Martin’s visit to Bermuda wasn’t all intensity.
“I’ve had a great time. It’s been about 12 years since I was last here. I keynoted, I played golf — wherever I go, I have to play golf,” he said with a laugh.
Martin recalled meeting Bermuda’s Premier at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation event last year, which ultimately led to his return trip.
“When he mentioned this tournament, I said, ‘Man, that’s perfect, because my birthday is tomorrow.’ My wife had plans with her link sisters in Nashville, and I had no interest in that, so they went ahead,” he joked.
Three potential golf trips abroad nearly pulled him away, but remembering his conversation with the Premier, Martin reached out — and soon received confirmation from the Bermuda Tourism Authority.
“They said if I came, I could do my show. So here I am — shooting content right from my hotel room,” he said.
Once he heard golf was on the schedule for Tuesday and Wednesday, the deal was sealed.
He was especially excited to learn that PGA pro Cameron Champ, a Texas A&M graduate, was playing in the tournament.
“I walked with him on hole 18 today, texting his dad the whole time giving him updates. It’s been pretty cool.”
Martin emphasized that Bermuda has once again shown him why it’s a place he enjoys returning to.
“I’m enjoying my time here,” he said. “And listen — anywhere I can play golf, I’m good.”
Roland Martin, live from the Butterfield Bermuda Open, speaking with Trevor Lindsey for TNN — offering insight, truth, humor, and the unmistakable Roland Martin edge.
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