Setting the Stage
As the room filled with journalists awaited the delayed start, anticipation and frustration grew. Rachel Scott of ABC began the discussion by acknowledging the concerns of Black journalists about Trump’s presence.
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Her opening question highlighted Trump’s history of derogatory remarks towards Black journalists and his controversial dinner with a white supremacist.
Trump’s Combative Response
In response to Rachel Scott’s pointed questions, Trump labeled her as “nasty” and blamed the delay on faulty NABJ equipment.
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He accused the organization of bringing him to the convention under false pretenses. This combative stance immediately set a contentious atmosphere for the rest of the panel.
Journalists React Online
Journalists were quick to voice their reactions online. Producer Jawn Murray tweeted about Trump’s aggressive behavior towards Black female journalists, drawing parallels to his past interactions with April D. Ryan and others.
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Ryan herself supported Scott and criticized the NABJ for inviting Trump, questioning the organization’s decision-making.
Karen Attiah’s Resignation and Response
Karen Attiah, who had resigned as co-chair of the convention in protest of Trump’s invitation, described the room as “boiling with anger and disappointment.”
Source: Karen Attiah/X
She pointed out that the promised fact-checking was nowhere to be found for journalists in the room, exacerbating the frustration among attendees.
Kamala Harris Remarks Stir Controversy
Trump’s comments about Vice President Kamala Harris’s heritage were particularly inflammatory. He falsely suggested that Harris only recently identified as Black, despite her long-standing identification as both Black and Asian.
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“She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage,” said Trump. “I didn’t know she was Black, until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black.” Trump’s remarks were understandably met with boos from the audience, further intensifying the panel’s contentious atmosphere.
Harris Responds
Vice President Harris responded to Trump’s comments during a speech to Sigma Gamma Rho in Houston, calling his remarks a “reminder” of the divisiveness of his previous term.
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She emphasized the need for unity and respect, contrasting sharply with Trump’s rhetoric.
Questioning Black Jobs
During the panel, Trump boasted about his impact on the Black community, claiming to be the best president for Black Americans since Lincoln.
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When asked to clarify his term “Black jobs,” Trump’s response, “A Black job is anybody with a job,” wildly lacked specificity and drew criticism from the audience, who found his comments dismissive and out of touch.
DEI Hire Debate
Trump also dodged a question about whether Kamala Harris was a “DEI hire.” DEI, standing for diversity, equity, and inclusion, aims to increase representation of women and people of color.
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His evasive response only fueled further criticism regarding his understanding and support of DEI initiatives — or lack thereof.
Immigration and Black Voters
Trump’s claims that migrants would take away “Black jobs” were also met with skepticism. His attempts to pit communities against each other did not sit well with the audience, highlighting his divisive tactics.
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His assertion that he was the best president for Black Americans was met with groans and disbelief, a recurring theme throughout the event.
Trump’s Perspective
On Truth Social, Trump declared the panel a success, despite the visible tension and criticism.
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He described the questions as “rude and nasty” but claimed to have “crushed it,” showcasing his complete disconnect from the audience’s reactions and the broader criticism he faced.
A Divisive Encounter
The NABJ panel with Donald Trump was marked by contentious exchanges, inflammatory remarks, and widespread criticism from journalists, attendees, and anyone following along on X.
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Despite Trump’s perceived “success” in his own eyes, his appearance at the NABJ panel proved to be more of a spectacle than an actual dialogue, further perpetuating harmful stereotypes and damaging rhetoric rather than fostering productive conversation.