CHICAGO — The conversation former President Donald Trump had with journalists at the National Association of Black Journalists annual convention started off fiery -- as he was pressed to answer questions about some of his past rhetoric and his presidential campaign.
Moderator Rachel Scott, senior congressional correspondent for ABC News, addressed the "elephant in the room," saying many people didn't think it was appropriate for the former president to be invited to the convention. The organization was scrutinized online behind the move, with critics claiming this gives Trump a platform to make false claims. The convention -- held every year -- took place this time in Chicago.
During the conference, Black journalists gather for panels, sessions, networking opportunities and more.
While the invitation was not an endorsement, NABJ said in a statement the organization sent invitations to all 2024 presidential candidates. Candidates have also participated in forums at past conferences.
"I consulted with a group of our Founders and past NABJ Presidents Tuesday on-site in Chicago, and as a group, we affirmed that the invitation to former President Trump was in line with NABJ’s usual practices since 1976," NABJ President Ken Lemon said.
Even with the negative feedback, the conversation went on as planned with Scott and other moderators, Harris Faulkner, anchor of The Faulkner Focus and co-host of Outnumbered on FOX News, and Kadia Goba, politics reporter at Semafor. NABJ partnered with PolitiFact to fact-check the former president's remarks in real time.
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The dialogue jumped off with a heated start as Trump responded to Scott's first question.
"You have pushed false claims about some of your rivals, from Nikki Haley to former President Barack Obama, saying that they were not born in the United States - which is not true. You have told four congresswomen of color who were American citizens to go back to where they came from. You have used words like animal and rabbit to describe Black district attorneys," Scott said.
"You've attacked Black journalists, calling them a loser, saying the questions they asked are stupid and racist," Scott added. "You had dinner with a white supremacist at your Mar-a-Lago resort. So, my question, sir, now that you are asking Black supporters to vote for you, why should Black voters trust you after you have used language like that?"
Trump said he doesn't think he's ever been asked a first question "in such a horrible manner," as he continued with criticism.
"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 more for the Black population of this country."
As he touted his presidency, he told Scott her remarks were rude, claiming he's been the best president for Black Americans since Abraham Lincoln. The crowd -- of Black journalists -- reacted immediately.
What also riled up the audience was his mention once again of U.S. border issues and people who he claimed were taking "Black jobs." Trump used the phrase during his Atlanta debate against President Joe Biden. After Trump brought it up Tuesday, one of the moderators frankly asked him, "What exactly is a Black job?"
Trump replied: "A Black job is anyone who has a job. That's what it is. Anyone that has a job -- and they're taking the employment away from Black people."
Outside of his plans for the Black community, other topics discussed included President Joe Biden exiting the race, the age debate, inflation, abortion, and the shooting death of Sonya Massey, who was killed by a deputy in the same state where the NABJ conference was being held.
Moderators also asked Trump about his running mate, JD Vance. Trump explained why he selected the 39-year-old senator from Ohio and he described Vance as a smart guy and businessman who he respected.
"I chose him because he is a very strong believer in work and the working man and woman," he said.
He criticized Vice President Kamala Harris during the conversation alleging she only promoted "Indian heritage," claiming that she "happened to turn Black and know she wants to be known as Black." PolitiFact fact-checked the allegation, reporting that the claim was false.
The VP was not at the convention Tuesday. In a statement, NABJ president said the vice president's campaign team previously advised her schedule could not accommodate the organization's request for an in-person panel. The statement added that NABJ was also told this week in an update that she was not available in person or virtual during the convention dates. However, NABJ said it is talking with the Harris for President campaign team to schedule a Q&A session for September.
Harris' campaign said in a statement that Trump was hostile on stage.
“The hostility Donald Trump showed on stage today is the same hostility he has shown throughout his life, throughout his term in office, and throughout his campaign for president as he seeks to regain power and inflict his harmful Project 2025 agenda on the American people," the statement partly reads.
Trump's campaign issued a statement Tuesday saying in part, "Today’s biased and rude treatment from certain hostile members of the media will backfire massively."