CHICAGO (CBS/AP) – Former President Donald Trump’s appearance before the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago quickly turned hostile on Wednesday, even before the event officially began more than an hour behind schedule.
Trump blamed problems with audio equipment for the delayed start of the Q&A session with journalists involved National Association of Black Journalists Annual Convention & Career Fair in Chicago Wednesday evening.
The event itself began with a series of questions that Trump considered a “very impolite introduction,” sparring with interviewer Rachel Scott of ABC News and apparently accusing the event organizers of delaying the start of the event, which was scheduled to begin at noon. Chicago but doesn’t start until 1 p.m
“I think it’s disgraceful that you come here in good spirits. I’m the Black population of this country, I’ve done a lot for the Black population of this country,” Trump said.
Trump, in a post on the Truth Social network, said the speaker equipment at the venue was not working properly.
“Don’t blame me for being late,” Trump tweeted.
The assembled reporters booed Trump after he claimed, “I’ve been the best president for the Black population since Abraham Lincoln,” and were pressed by Scott after he claimed that people were illegally crossing the border and taking “Black jobs.”
“Most of the reporters in this room are Black,” Trump said. “I will tell you that, coming from the border, there are millions and millions of people taking Black jobs.”
“What exactly is the Black project, sir?” Scott asked, as the audience gasped.
“A black job is anyone who has a job,” Trump replied. “They take employment away from black people.”
Charles Rex Arbogast/AP
Trump also answered questions about his choice US Senator JD Vance, from Ohio, is a running mate. Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner asked Trump if he believed Vance would be ready to take on the role on day one.
“Historically, the choice of vice president has made no difference,” Trump replied.
The former Republican president also falsely claimed that Vice President Kamala Harris, the first black and Asian American woman to serve in that role, in the past it only promoted Indian heritage.
The comments came after Trump was asked about several Republicans who referred to Harris as “DEI rent.”
“I’ve known (Harris) indirectly, very indirectly, for a long time. And he’s definitely of Indian heritage, and he’s just promoting his Indian heritage. I didn’t know he was black until years ago. He happened to be Black and now they want to be known as Black,” Trump said. “So I don’t know, is he Indian, or black?”
As a US senator, Harris was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, supporting his colleagues’ legislation to strengthen voting rights and police reform.
Trump also talked about recent shootings and killings Sony Massey by Sangamon County, Illinois Sheriff’s deputies.
“I don’t know the exact case, but I look at something, and it doesn’t look — it doesn’t look good to me, it doesn’t look good to me,” Trump said.
Trump was further asked what standard Trump would use to fire officials.
“There’s a big difference between being a bad person and making an innocent mistake, but if someone makes a mistake, I want to help that person,” Trump said.
The topic of violence in Chicago also came up.
“The 4th of July weekend, there were 117 shootings and 17 deaths. Nobody wanted that. Nobody wanted that,” Trump said. “We need to have police officers to show respect and dignity.”
Trump also answered questions about his choice US Senator JD Vance, from Ohio, is a running mate. Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner asked Trump if he believed Vance would be ready to take on the role on day one.
“Historically, the choice of vice president has made no difference,” Trump replied.
Some in the National Association of Black Journalists believe the organization’s dignity is on the line by inviting Trump to the discussion. After that, the split remained.
“They are our guests, and I think they deserve to be treated as guests,” said NABJ founder Sandra Dillard.
Dillard agreed there is some merit to the claim that Trump is considered rude.
“I think I have the right to ask questions, but maybe ask them in a more tactful way – some of them,” he said.
But NABJ member Caron LeNoir Kelly said Trump is a dishonest person.
“It’s just appalling — the way he treated that woman on stage, the way he treated us and talked to us — it’s just disgusting,” Kelly said. “But that’s just who they are.
The Harris campaign issued a statement after Trump’s appearance in Chicago, saying “it failed Black families and left the whole country digging out of the ditch that left us in.”
“Today’s episode is just a taste of the chaos and division that has been a hallmark of Trump’s MAGA rallies this entire campaign. This is exactly what the American people will see from across the debate stage as Vice President Harris offers a vision of opportunity and freedom. all Americans need to do is stop playing games and actually show up for the debate on September 10th,” Harris communications director Michael Tyler said.
The decision to hold a Q&A with Trump before leading the convention chair, Karen Attiah, backfired. On Wednesday evening, after the event, he called the decision to invite Trump “a huge mistake,” adding “I’m shocked at how horrible this is.”
Before the question session, Attiah said, “To the journalists who interviewed Trump, I wish them success.”
The event was controversial with the participants leading up to the Q&A
Even before the event, decision to host Trump did not go over well with some NABJ members, who voiced their concerns ahead of the event. NABJ President Ken Lemon recently clarified that the invitation to Trump was not intended as an endorsement.
“As a group, we confirm that the invitation to former President Trump is in line with NABJ’s regular practice since 1976. It has always been our policy to ensure that candidates understand that an invitation is not an endorsement,” Lemon said.
Lemon also said the panelists will fact-check when the former president speaks.
“We have people whose lives depend on what happens in November,” Lemon said. “For us as journalists – people who come in and have conversations that are uncomfortable for our members – this is an important moment.”
Presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris has offered to address NABJ members right after the convention. Event organizers say they are still working to reach an agreement.
Although the invitation of presidential candidates to the convention is a tradition that goes back several decades, it has divided many in the organization with Trump. At least three activist groups are planning to protest outside. Mayor Brandon Johnson said he would make sure the former president received appropriate security.
Demonstrators gathered outside the event with a focus on Gaza
Protesters, as well as Trump supporters, gathered outside the Chicago Hilton and Towers, 720 S. Michigan Ave., as Trump spoke inside.
Coalition to March on the DNC-which is also planned a protest outside the Democratic National Convention next month, organized a protest against Trump’s appearance together with the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, the US Palestinian Community Network, and several other organizations.
Demonstrators held Palestinian flags and signs, and were supported by brass instruments as they heard their voices.
“We told Chicago—we told the world—Trump is not welcome in Chicago,” said Hatem Abudayyeh, national chair of the US Palestinian Community Network. “Wherever they go, we will protest there too.”
Protest leaders said the message was the same one they’ve been sharing for months — “no business as usual,” referring to the conflict in Gaza.
Thousands of members of the group protested at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee earlier this month, and they took issue with both Democratic and Republican policies on the conflict.
“Both sides are complicit in the massacre of Palestinians in Gaza,” said Abudayyeh.
The activist group said it would continue to protest whenever what it called a “genocide” politician, regardless of party, “shows its face.”
Abudayyeh was asked about criticism that the protest took away attention from the NABJ conference in Chicago.
“I respect the organization very much. I repeat the people who work very hard; the rank and file very much,” said Abudayyeh. “If they feel compelled to invite him there, I’m not going to criticize the NABJ, but they have to understand that we have a responsibility as well as the people of the city of Chicago.”
Voices in support of Trump also echoed outside the hotel.
“I want to let President Trump know that he has support here,” said Connie Lee, a Trump supporter and Chicago resident.
Lee and fellow Trump supporter Jeanette Scott said they, and others, want the former president to hear their message of support as well.
“Trump, he said he wants to level the playing field, and I know he’s for us—the people,” Scott said.
Chicago police remained around the hotel and protested.
