Jacob Ogles
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds said Donald Trump faced a hostile environment at a National Association of Black Journalists conference.
The speech gained instant attention when the Republican presidential nominee questioned the racial identity of likely Democratic opponent Kamala Harris.
But Donalds, a Black Republican recently considered for Trump’s running mate, said Trump also communicated a record that benefited all Americans.
“Today, President Trump entered a hostile environment, highlighted his historic accomplishments, and spoke directly to the issues that matter: Securing the border; Reducing (Joe) Biden-Harris inflation; Restoring energy independence,” Donalds posted on X.
“Fostering tough conversations and debate is how we Make America Great Again for all Americans. Unlike Kamala Harris, President Trump is not afraid of going into any venue, any time, anywhere, and today was no exception.”
Trump sat down at the event for an on-stage interview with ABC News’ Rachel Scott, opening by discussing the former President’s record attacking former President Barack Obama’s birthplace and then asking, “Why should Black voters trust you?”
Later in the interview, Trump was asked whether he agrees with Republican surrogates who have criticized Harris as being a “DEI” candidate. Trump responded by confusingly saying Harris only recently identified as Black.
“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. So, I don’t know, is she Indian or is she Black?” Trump said.
Harris has an Indian mother and Black father and attended Howard University, an historically Black university.
Republican critics of Trump questioned his performance, along with the wisdom of even accepting an invitation.
“Today we saw a terribly panicked Trump run off stage at NABJ. His staff had to pull him after they screwed up again by putting him on stage facing his worst nightmare: women of color,” said Ryan Wiggins, The Lincoln Project’s Chief of Staff. The Never Trumper group has regularly criticized Trump.
Wiggins also called out Trump’s campaign consultants, Florida-based Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles.
“Trump’s running scared and now should LaCivita and Wiles,” Wiggins continued. “You know Trump’s going to be asking around for names after this. And between picking JD Vance — who clearly wasn’t vetted, running the entire race against a guy who dropped out, attacking the rights of women, and embracing casual racism, this team couldn’t manage a cocktail party.”
For its part, Trump’s campaign called the questions at the event “liberal mainstream media malpractice.”
“President Trump has continually said that unlike Kamala Harris and Joe Biden, he’s running to be President for ALL Americans, and if you’re running to unite the entire Country, you have to back it up with action like President Trump did today at the National Association of Black Journalists conference in Chicago,” reads a statement from Trump campaign senior advisor Lynne Patton.
“Members of the media need to make a decision, and answer if their goal is to unite the Country or further divide us, because based on the unhinged and unprofessional commentary directed toward President Trump today by certain members of the media, many media elites clearly want to see us remain divided. This is unacceptable.”
Harris notably declined an invitation to the conference based on scheduling problems.
A spokesperson for the Harris campaign told The Associated Press it was Trump who created a hostile environment.
“Trump lobbed personal attacks and insults at Black journalists the same way he did throughout his presidency — while he failed Black families and left the entire country digging out of the ditch he left us in,” said Harris communications director Michael Tyler. “Donald Trump has already proven he cannot unite America, so he attempts to divide us.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
7 comments
ScienceBLVR
July 31, 2024 at 6:16 pm
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. So, I don’t know, is she Indian or is she Black?” Trump said.
OMG? You are kidding, he says this openly.. when she happened to turn black?
No matter, we shall overcome, not someday, but in November!
Michael K
July 31, 2024 at 6:20 pm
Hostile?
Why is it that Trump, and Republicans in general, are always victims of persecution? Journalists ask questions. Outside of the Fox/Newsmax bubble, they often ask real questions.
Trump will decide not to debate Harris. He does not like smart women. And he despises smart Black women. They frighten him. He’s a coward.
Don' Bother
July 31, 2024 at 6:29 pm
What kind of “environment” is Harris going to face? Oh, that’s right, she isn’t going to face any kind of environment. She’s not going to bother to go. She’s got them all in her pocket; Why should she bother, like Trump bothered? She has all the white folks to screen her off.
tom palmer
July 31, 2024 at 6:39 pm
Typical whining Trump and his lying surrogates. The US is energy independent, but that doesn’t fit the GOP propaganda machine. Birther foolishness, border policy racism, what a guy.
Michael roberts
July 31, 2024 at 7:26 pm
don was not smart to go. Doesn’t”t he have any body watching what he does ? What was he expecting ? DUH
ELVIS "The BIG Voice On The Right"
July 31, 2024 at 7:31 pm
Good evening Sage Patriots & Dook 4 Brains Leftys,
“ALWAYS REMEMBER: ITS NOT NEWS UNTIL ELVIS WEIGHS IN”.
America these “Dooks” who were disrespectful to Trump represent just a tiny tiney sub-set of the vast majority of our Great Nation’s Sage and Beloved Black Population.
“Well how do you know that ELVIS”?
“Thank you and I’m glad you asked, said ELVIS.
BECAUSE they are “JOURNALISTS”. The Black Journalist population in our Great Nation represent just 0.0000031% of America’s Black population.
The remaining American Blacks are voting for Trump.
THEREFORE:
Numerically these Journo’s opinions are Totally Irrevelant.
But the writer did his best to make a mountain out of a numerically irrelevant molehill. And it would have fooled many citizens had ELVIS not stepped up with his Sage Wisdom.
Thank you Sage Patriots & Dook 4 Brains Leftys,
ELVIS
ELVIS "The BIG Voice On The Right"
July 31, 2024 at 7:49 pm
Ladies and Gentlemen,
ELVIS seldom responds to his own Sage Posts of Wisdom but I just felt the need to Re-enforce the fact that The Dook 4 Brains Uber Leftist A.P. (Associated Press) contributed their “LIES, Damn Lies, and Statistics to the above article of “Shameless Propaganda”,
ELVIS