A controversial quote by trump happened in this interview at 4:36, "I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black".
Former President Donald Trump's appearance at the 49th Annual National Association of Black Journalists Convention on July 31, 2024, marked a significant moment in the 2024 presidential campaign, featuring confrontational exchanges that highlighted central election themes. The hour-long forum with journalists Rachel Scott, Kadia Goba, and Harris Faulkner covered Trump's record on race relations, immigration policies, economic approaches to inflation, January 6th pardons, and his running mate J.D. Vance's controversial statements. Trump defended his record with Black communities by citing employment initiatives and HBCU funding while claiming he's "been the best president for the Black population since Abraham Lincoln," argued immigrants were "taking Black jobs," blamed Biden-Harris energy policies for inflation affecting Black Americans, stated he would "absolutely" pardon January 6th rioters he deemed "innocent," and outlined his priorities for a potential second term focusing on border security and energy policy ("drill, baby, drill"). This appearance provided insight into Trump's strategy to appeal to Black voters in battleground states against the Harris-Walz ticket, emphasizing economic concerns while attempting to counterbalance criticisms about his rhetoric on race and immigration in what promises to be one of the most consequential presidential elections in recent American history.
Former President Donald Trump's contentious July 2024 appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists convention illuminated fundamental contrasts shaping the November presidential election against Vice President Kamala Harris. Media coverage from Business Insider, Politico, and Associated Press documented Trump's confrontational approach with moderators, his questioning of Harris's racial identity ("I didn't know she was Black until a number of years ago"), and campaign messaging focused on economic concerns and immigration. The forum crystallized five defining elements of the 2024 election landscape: race and identity politics as central campaign flashpoints, divergent media engagement approaches between candidates, competing economic narratives around inflation and affordability, strategic framing of immigration impacts, and January 6th aftermath as a distinct policy position, with Trump confirming he would "absolutely" pardon Capitol riot participants he deemed "innocent" if elected to a second term.
Former President Donald Trump's appearance at the 49th Annual National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Convention on July 31, 2024, featured several confrontational exchanges that highlighted key campaign themes for the 2024 presidential election. This hour-long forum with a panel of journalists including ABC News Senior Congressional Correspondent Rachel Scott, Semafor political reporter Kadia Goba, and Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner provided insight into Trump's positions on issues affecting Black communities.
The interview began with immediate tension when Rachel Scott questioned Trump about his past rhetoric toward people of color, citing specific examples including comments about rivals not being born in the United States, telling congresswomen to "go back to where they came from," using terms like "animal" and "rabid" to describe Black district attorneys, and having dinner with a white supremacist at Mar-a-Lago.
Trump responded by calling the question "horrible" and "nasty," defending his record by claiming he has "done so much for the Black population," citing his administration's work on employment opportunities, opportunity zones with Senator Tim Scott, and providing long-term financing for historically Black colleges and universities. Trump asserted he has been "the best president for the Black population since Abraham Lincoln."
Trump expressed frustration about Vice President Kamala Harris not being present at the event, claiming he was invited under "false pretenses." The NABJ moderators clarified they were in conversations with Harris's team for a potential Q&A in September, either in person or virtually.
A recurring theme throughout the forum was Trump's claim that immigrants are "taking Black jobs," stating that "millions and millions of people" are entering the country and affecting employment opportunities for Black Americans. When pressed on what constitutes a "Black job," Trump responded: "A Black job is anybody that has a job."
Trump criticized Vice President Harris's role overseeing border policy during the Biden administration, calling her "the worst border czar in the history of the world." He claimed the U.S. is experiencing an "invasion" of 15-17 million people, including people from "mental institutions" and "prisons," and that other countries are "setting loose their prisoners" and sending them to America.
When questioned about economic challenges facing Black Americans, particularly single Black mothers struggling with inflation, Trump blamed the Biden-Harris administration's energy policies. He stated that inflation is "destroying our country" and particularly affecting Black communities.
Trump cited economic concerns including interest rates rising from 2.4% to 10%, young people unable to buy homes, and food prices becoming unaffordable. His proposed economic approach focused primarily on energy policy, suggesting the need to "bring down the cost of energy" to combat inflation, reverse Biden administration energy policies, and utilize domestic oil resources.
When asked about the case of Sonya Massey, an unarmed Black woman shot by a deputy sheriff who was subsequently charged with murder, Trump acknowledged the case "didn't look good" to him. The conversation shifted to police immunity, with Trump distinguishing between officers who make "innocent mistakes" versus those who commit deliberate wrongdoing.
One of the most notable exchanges occurred when Scott asked about Trump's statements regarding potentially pardoning January 6th rioters. Scott noted that 140 police officers were assaulted that day, with injuries including broken bones, lost eyes, cracked ribs, and spinal damage.
Trump responded by referencing recent protests in Washington D.C. where monuments were damaged and comparing them to protests in Minneapolis and Seattle, arguing there are "two systems of justice." When directly asked if he would pardon those who assaulted police officers during the Capitol riot, Trump said: "Oh absolutely, I would. If they're innocent, I would pardon them."
A substantial portion of the forum focused on Trump's vice presidential pick, Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio. The moderators questioned Trump about Vance's controversial comments about "childless cat ladies" and suggestions that people with children should have more voting power.
Trump distanced himself from these specific views, saying "It's not something I have ever heard before," while defending Vance's character and background. He emphasized Vance's education at Yale Law School, military service, business success, and authorship of "Hillbilly Elegy."
Trump downplayed the importance of vice presidential candidates in general, stating: "Historically, the vice president in terms of the election, does not have any impact... You're voting for me. If you like me, I'm going to win. If you don't like me, I'm not going to win."
When questioned about his age (Trump would be 82 by the end of a potential second term), Trump stated he would "absolutely" step down if he felt his health was declining. He suggested that anyone running for president should take cognitive tests, stating he had taken two tests himself and "aced them."
Trump also questioned Vice President Harris's qualifications, claiming she "failed her law exam" initially, though the moderator noted Harris did eventually pass. This exchange highlighted how candidates' mental acuity has become a campaign issue for the 2024 presidential election, particularly following President Biden's withdrawal from the race.
In his closing remarks, Trump outlined his immediate priorities if elected in November 2024:
1. Border Security: "I close the border. We don't want people coming. We want people to come in, but they have to be vetted. They have to be checked. They have to come in legally."
2. Energy Policy: "I drill, baby, drill. I bring energy way down, I bring interest rates down, I bring inflation way down so people can buy bacon again, so people can buy a ham sandwich again, so that people can go to a restaurant and afford it."
Trump also emphasized his opposition to mandating electric vehicles despite his "friendship" with Elon Musk, stating: "I'm against everybody having an electric car." He reiterated his claim that immigrants are "taking your jobs."
The NABJ forum appearance provided insight into Trump's strategy to appeal to Black voters in the 2024 election – a demographic where even small gains could impact results in battleground states. His economic messaging focused on inflation, jobs, and affordability attempts to counterbalance concerns about his rhetoric on race and immigration.
This forum established clear campaign themes that will likely continue throughout the 2024 presidential race, including economic policy differences on inflation and energy, immigration enforcement approaches, discussions of age and cognitive fitness, and debates over January 6th and its aftermath.
As the November 2024 election approaches, this appearance stands as a significant event that highlighted the stark policy and stylistic differences voters will consider when choosing between the Trump-Vance and Harris-Walz tickets in what promises to be one of the most consequential presidential elections in recent American history.
Former President Donald Trump's appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Chicago on July 31, 2024, generated extensive media coverage that reveals key aspects of the 2024 presidential contest between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Analysis of reporting from Business Insider, Politico, and Associated Press highlights campaign strategies, messaging approaches, and media narratives shaping the November election.
All three publications characterized Trump's forum appearance as immediately confrontational. Politico reported that Trump "came out swinging. And swinging. And swinging," while Business Insider described him as beginning "in a combative mood" that "only got worse from there." Each outlet documented Trump's hostile response to ABC News Senior Congressional Correspondent Rachel Scott's first question, with Trump calling it "horrible" and "nasty," and asking if she represented "a fake news network."
According to Politico, the 34-minute session—reportedly cut short at the instruction of the Trump campaign—left audience members "stunned." The panel featuring Scott, Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner, and Semafor political reporter Kadia Goba became what one attendee called "the most unusual presidential interview I've ever seen."
A prominent focus across all publications was Trump's questioning of Vice President Harris's racial identity. Each outlet quoted Trump saying: "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." This comment about Harris, who is of Jamaican and Indian heritage, generated significant reaction.
Politico uniquely reported White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre's immediate response, quoting her calling Trump's comments "repulsive" and "insulting," adding: "She is the vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris, and we have to put some respect on her name. Period."
Business Insider noted that when Trump was asked whether Harris was a "DEI hire"—a term some Republicans have used against Harris—Trump responded: "I really don't know, could be."
All publications covered Trump's assertion that immigrants are "taking Black jobs." When moderators asked what constitutes a "Black job," Trump answered, as reported by Business Insider: "A Black job is anybody that has a job."
Politico quoted Trump's economic priorities if elected in November 2024, capturing his specific voter appeals on inflation: "I drill, baby, drill. I bring energy way down, I bring interest rates down, I bring inflation way down so people can buy bacon again, so people can buy a ham sandwich again, so that people can go to a restaurant and afford it."
According to Business Insider, Trump criticized Vice President Harris's role in border policy, calling her "the worst border czar in the history of the world." He claimed the U.S. is experiencing an "invasion" of 15-17 million people, including those from "mental institutions" and "prisons."
Politico reported that Trump "defended his supporters who were convicted in connection to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol." Business Insider described one of the "most notable exchanges" occurring when Scott asked about Trump's statements regarding potentially pardoning January 6th rioters, noting that 140 police officers were assaulted that day.
According to Business Insider, Trump responded by referencing recent protests in Washington D.C. and comparing them to protests in Minneapolis and Seattle, arguing there are "two systems of justice." When directly asked if he would pardon those who assaulted police officers during the Capitol riot, Trump said: "Oh absolutely, I would. If they're innocent, I would pardon them."
Politico highlighted that when Trump was asked if his running mate J.D. Vance would be "ready on day one," he did not directly answer, instead saying: "I've always had great respect for him, and for the other candidates too. … Historically the vice president in terms of the election does not have any impact."
Business Insider reported that a "substantial portion of the forum focused on Trump's vice presidential pick," with moderators questioning Trump about Vance's controversial comments regarding "childless cat ladies" and suggestions that people with children should have more voting power. According to Business Insider, Trump distanced himself from these specific views, saying "It's not something I have ever heard before," while defending Vance's character and background.
Publications presented different accounts regarding Vice President Harris's absence from the NABJ forum:
Business Insider reported that Trump "expressed frustration about Vice President Kamala Harris not being present at the event, claiming he was invited under 'false pretenses.'" It noted that "NABJ moderators clarified they were in conversations with Harris's team for a potential Q&A in September, either in person or virtually."
The article also cited White House correspondent April Ryan's reporting that "NABJ leadership informed Harris' team that it was preferable that she be in-person for her appearance" and later "approached Harris about holding a virtual town hall, but that the vice president's team had 'moved on' after their earlier request for a virtual option was denied."
Associated Press reported from "a person familiar with her schedule" that "the Harris campaign was unable to find a time to appear at NABJ in person and claimed the organization turned down an offer for her to appear virtually."
The Associated Press provided extensive coverage of internal controversy regarding Trump's invitation, noting that "at least one high-profile member, Karen Attiah of The Washington Post, resigned as convention co-chair in protest." AP also mentioned Femi Redwood, chair of NABJ's LGBTQ+ task force, expressing concern about not being consulted given "the damage he has caused Black queer and trans people."
Politico similarly reported on this internal discord, quoting Carron J. Phillips, a past NABJ award winner, calling it "the single dumbest and worst decision in NABJ history."
AP uniquely provided historical context about NABJ's previous interactions with Trump, citing the organization's 2018 condemnation of Trump for "verbally abusing journalists" and using words like "stupid," "loser," and "nasty" to describe Black women journalists including Yamiche Alcindor, Abby Phillip, and April Ryan.
Politico offered the most detailed description of audience reactions, reporting: "Some listened intently with their phones held up to photograph the heated exchanges. Some snickered and groaned at Trump's comments about claiming not to know early on that Harris is Black. The audience grew ever more restless during an exchange with moderators about Democrats' views on abortion."
The publication quoted Beverly White Higgs, a retired broadcaster in attendance, who described Trump's performance as "freestyling with a loose affiliation with the facts" and called his approach "awful," adding: "The racism, the sexism, it's not weird. It's gross."
All publications noted Trump's claim of being "the best president for the Black population since Abraham Lincoln." Business Insider reported that Trump defended his record by citing "his administration's work on employment opportunities, opportunity zones with Senator Tim Scott, and providing long-term financing for historically Black colleges and universities."
When questioned about his age (Trump would be 82 by the end of a potential second term), Business Insider reported that Trump stated he would "absolutely" step down if he felt his health was declining. He suggested that anyone running for president should take cognitive tests, stating he had taken two tests himself and "aced them."
The NABJ forum appearance crystallized several defining contrasts that will shape the 2024 presidential election campaign:
1. Race and Identity Politics: Trump's questioning of Harris's racial identification indicates identity will remain central to campaign messaging between the Trump-Vance and Harris-Walz tickets.
2. Media Engagement Approaches: Trump's confrontational style with journalists highlights his unchanged communications approach heading into the November election.
3. Economic Messaging Priority: Trump's emphasis on inflation, energy prices, and affordability aims to counter concerns about his rhetoric on race in key battleground states.
4. Immigration Framing: Trump's portrayal of immigration as directly impacting employment opportunities for Black Americans represents a strategic approach to economic issues.
5. January 6th Aftermath: Trump's willingness to discuss pardoning Capitol riot participants creates a distinct policy position in the 2024 campaign.
As the November 2024 presidential election approaches, the Trump-NABJ forum stands as a significant campaign event that highlights the stark policy and stylistic differences voters will consider when choosing between the presidential candidates in what multiple publications characterize as one of the most consequential elections in recent American history.
Articles Analyzed: Business Insider, Politico, and AP News
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Trump campaign Black media director Janiyah Thomas blasted Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, for not showing up ...