Former President Donald Trump took center stage at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Chicago on Wednesday, July 31. His appearance was marked by sharp exchanges and controversy. Trump expressed frustration with the event’s delayed start and criticized journalists for a “very rude introduction.”
The convention opened with discussions about Trump’s attacks on Black politicians and journalists, before shifting to a debate on why Black voters should support him. Trump took offense at what he described as a “disgraceful” line of questioning, remarking, “You don’t even say, ‘Hello. How are you?’ I think it’s disgraceful … I came here in good spirit. I love the Black population of this country. I’ve done so much for the Black population of this country.”
Trump also questioned why Vice President Kamala Harris, who was expected to attend, did not show up. Reports indicate that while the NABJ sought her presence, she declined in favor of a virtual appearance.
Trump’s interview with the National Association of Black Journalists immediately got off to a contentious start. pic.twitter.com/VszDHIuV5G
— The Recount (@therecount) July 31, 2024
Despite facing pointed questions about his controversial past, Trump defended his record, asserting that his actions have significantly benefited the Black community. He even compared himself to some of the most renowned U.S. presidents in his remarks.
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During his appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Chicago, former President Donald Trump made bold and controversial claims about his presidency and his political rival, Kamala Harris. When questioned about his record with Black voters, Trump asserted, “I have been the best president for the Black population since Abraham Lincoln.”
Trump also targeted Harris, accusing her of switching her racial identity for political gain. “She was Indian all the way and all of a sudden she made a turn and she became a Black woman,” Trump alleged. His remarks faced backlash from attendees and commentators, with Harris having always identified as both Black and Southeast Asian.
In a disastrous live interview just now Trump says that Kamala Harris “all of a sudden made a turn” and became a “Black person.”
— David Hogg 🟧 (@davidhogg111) July 31, 2024
The NABJ and Trump have a fraught history. In 2018, the convention condemned Trump for his derogatory remarks about Black women journalists, including NBC’s Yamiche Alcindor, CNN’s Abby Phillip, and The Grio’s April Ryan. At the time, then-NABJ President Sarah Glover criticized Trump, stating, “The most powerful man in the free world is verbally abusing journalists.”
Trump’s contentious remarks continued into his 2020 campaign. He faced criticism for saying, “Unlike the African American community, with notable exceptions, the Latino community is an incredibly diverse community,” and his comment about “Black jobs” during a debate also sparked controversy.
Donald Trump to the National Association of Black Journalists: “A lot of the journalists in this room are black. I will tell you that coming from the border are millions and millions of people that happen to be taking black jobs.
Q. “What’s exactly is a black job, sir?”
Trump:… pic.twitter.com/cEnaXrNpE9
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) July 31, 2024
At the Chicago convention, Trump claimed that President Biden’s immigration policies were harming Black and Hispanic workers. “The fact is that his big kill on the Black people is the millions of people that he’s allowed to come in through the border. They’re taking Black jobs now,” Trump stated. This term “Black jobs” was widely criticized by Democrats and Black leaders for reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee, questioned the term, saying, “I’m still wondering, what is a ‘Black job.’” Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, added, “There is no such thing as a Black job. That misinformed characterization is a denial of the ubiquity of Black talent. A ‘Black job’ is an American job.”
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