CHICAGO (CBS/AP) — Former President Donald Trump’s appearance before the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago quickly turned hostile Wednesday, even before the event officially began more than an hour late.
Trump blamed the delay in the question-and-answer session on problems with the audio equipment with the presence of journalists the National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention and career fair in Chicago on Wednesday afternoon.
The event itself began with a round of questions that Trump called a “very crude presentation,” speaking with interviewer Rachel Scott of ABC News and apparently blaming event organizers for delaying the start of the event, which was scheduled to begin at noon in Chicago but did not start until 1 p.m.
“I think it’s a shame that I came here with a good spirit. I love the black people of this country, I’ve done so much for them,” Trump said.
Trump, in a message posted on his social network Truth Social, claimed that the equipment in the room’s speakers was not working properly.
“Don’t blame me for being late,” Trump posted.
Reporters in attendance booed Trump after he said, “I’ve been the best president for black people since Abraham Lincoln,” and were pressed by Scott after he claimed people were illegally crossing the border and taking “black jobs.”
“A lot of the journalists in this room are black,” Trump said. “I can tell you that millions and millions of people who come from across the border are taking jobs that are reserved for blacks.”
“What exactly is a black job, sir?” Scott asked, as the audience cheered.
“A job for black people is anybody who has a job,” Trump responded. “They’re taking jobs away from black people.”
Trump also answered questions about his choice of U.S. Senator J.D. Vanceof Ohio as his running mate. Fox News host Harris Faulkner asked Trump if he thought Vance would be ready to take on the role on day one.
“Historically, the choice of a vice president makes no difference,” Trump responded.
The former Republican president also falsely claimed that Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black and Asian-American woman to hold the office, had in the past only promoted his Indian heritage.
As a U.S. senator, Harris was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, supporting her colleagues’ legislation to strengthen voting rights and reform the police.
Harris’ campaign had said before Trump’s appearance that he would lie about his record.
“Not only does Donald Trump have a history of demeaning NABJ members and honorees who remain pillars of the Black press, he also has a history of attacking the media and working against the vital role the press plays in our democracy,” Jasmine Harris, the campaign’s director of Black media, said in a statement.
The event sparked controversy among attendees ahead of the question-and-answer session
The decision to welcome Trump The invitation was not well-received by some NABJ members, who expressed concerns ahead of the event. NABJ President Ken Lemon recently clarified that the invitation to Trump was not meant to be seen as an endorsement.
“As a group, we have maintained that the invitation to former President Trump was consistent with NABJ’s standard practice since 1976. Our policy has always been to ensure that candidates know that an invitation is not an endorsement,” Lemon said.
Lemon also said the panelists would fact-check while the former president spoke.
“We have people whose lives depend on what happens in November,” Lemon said. “For us journalists, who have very awkward conversations for the sake of our members, this is an important moment.”
The decision to hold a question-and-answer session with Trump led convention co-chair Karen Attiah to resign.
“I wish the journalists interviewing Trump the best of luck,” Attiah said. “For everyone else, I look forward to meeting you and seeing you all in the Windy City.”
Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, has offered to address NABJ members virtually after the convention. Organizers of the event say they are still working to reach an agreement.
Although inviting presidential candidates to the convention is a tradition that goes back decades, it has divided many in the organization, including Trump. At least three activist groups planned to protest outside. Mayor Brandon Johnson said he would ensure the former president has adequate security.
