Trump Engages Black Journalists in Chicago as Harris Declines Invitation

In a striking contrast of political engagement, former President Donald Trump made an impactful appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Conference in Chicago on Wednesday, while Vice President Kamala Harris opted out, citing scheduling conflicts. This decision left many questioning Harris’s commitment to addressing pivotal issues affecting the Black community.

Trump took to the stage around 1:15 p.m. CT, following a delay due to technical difficulties. The discussion, led by a panel of journalists including Rachel Scott from ABC News, Kadia Goba from Semafor, and Harris Faulkner from Fox News, began with questions about his invitation to the conference and his past remarks about Black Democrats.

The former president was quick to criticize the tone of the questioning, saying, “First of all, I don’t think I’ve been asked a question in such a horrible manner, first question. You don’t even say ‘Hello, how are you.’” Despite the contentious start, Trump emphasized his support for Black Americans, stating, “I love the black population of this country. I’ve done so much for the black population of this country. … I have been the best president for the black population since Abraham Lincoln.”

Trump focused on pressing issues like illegal immigration, the economy, and inflation, linking them to the challenges faced by Black Americans under the current administration. He highlighted the devastating impact of inflation, stating, “The inflation is absolutely destroying our middle class, our working class, virtually every class. Inflation is a disaster in our country. People can’t buy houses. They no longer have the American Dream. Young people, young black people, they don’t have the American Dream anymore.”

To combat inflation, Trump proposed, “We have to bring down the cost of energy. … This was all started by a bad energy policy by Joe Biden.” He argued that the Biden administration's policies have exacerbated economic hardships, particularly for minority communities.

Vice President Harris’s absence was notable, as she requested to participate via Zoom—a request denied by the event organizers. Trump seized this opportunity to criticize her decision, posting on Truth Social about the situation: “They told me and Crazy Kamala Harris that you could not do this Event with ZOOM — It is not allowed or acceptable! She declined, and I am getting ready to land in Chicago in order to be there. Now I am told that she is doing the Event on ZOOM. WHAT’S GOING ON HERE?”

NABJ President Ken Lemon addressed the issue, confirming ongoing discussions with the Harris campaign to arrange a future Q&A session, either in person or virtually, for September. Lemon also acknowledged some internal backlash regarding Trump’s invitation but defended the decision, saying, “While we acknowledge the concerns expressed by our members, we believe it is important for us to provide our members with the opportunity to hear directly from candidates and hold them accountable. We also want to provide our members with the facts.”

Trump, meanwhile, took the opportunity to lambaste Harris for her absence, writing, “Crazy Kamala disrespectfully refused to attend the National Association of Black Journalists Conference, but I am on my way to meet with them now in Chicago. Because of which, she’ll probably end up doing, she has no choice, but remember—it is only for that reason!”

As Trump’s visit to Chicago concluded, it underscored his ongoing efforts to connect with diverse audiences and address critical issues facing the nation. His presence at the NABJ Conference highlighted his commitment to engaging directly with the Black community, even as his political adversaries chose to pass up the opportunity.

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