CHICAGO – Tensions escalated during Donald Trump’s recent appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Chicago, where he made contentious remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris. The former president questioned her racial identity, suggesting that she had only recently chosen to identify 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 stated, prompting significant backlash from those in attendance.
Harris, the first Black woman and Asian American to serve as vice president, has a background that includes attending Howard University, a prominent historically Black college, and being a member of the Congressional Black Caucus as a senator, where she advocated for voting rights and police reform.
Throughout his political career, Trump has faced criticism for his remarks regarding race, including propagating the false birther theory about former President Barack Obama. At the NABJ event, his debate with interviewer Rachel Scott escalated when he accused her of delivering a harsh introduction that referenced his past criticisms of Black individuals and journalists.
“I think it’s disgraceful that I came here in good spirit. I love the Black population of this country; I’ve done so much for the Black population of this country,” Trump remarked during the interview.
His participation in the NABJ convention sparked controversy within the organization, leading to an internal debate over his presence. Some members voiced concerns that allowing Trump to speak could impair the organization’s integrity, while one high-profile member resigned from their co-chair position in protest.
The event has raised significant questions about the appropriateness of political figures addressing organizations aimed at promoting journalists of color, especially amid ongoing discussions about representation and credibility within media dialogues.
