https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2024/07/31/trump-nabj-chicago-convention-black-journalists-2024-presidential-campaign-harris

Donald Trump’s question-and-answer session with Black journalists in Chicago became contentious almost immediately.

The former president was argumentative in responding to the first question, from moderator Rachel Scott of ABC News.

Scott’s first question was prefaced with a recitation of Trump’s past statements, including Trump’s claim that former President Barack Obama wasn’t born in the United States, and Trump’s past treatment of Black journalists.

“Why should Black voters trust you, after you have used language like that?” Scott asked.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been asked a question in such a horrible manner,” Trump said.

"You don’t even say ‘Hello, how are you?’ Are you with ABC? Because I think they’re a fake news network, a terrible network,” Trump said, as some in the audience at the Hilton Chicago jeered.

“I love the Black population of this country,” Trump said, continuing to interrupt Scott as she tried to press for an answer.

“I think it’s a very nasty question. ... I have been the best president for the Black population since Abraham Lincoln.”

Trump also argued with Scott over her question that some Republicans have referred to Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive nominee, as “a DEI candidate.”

First he asked for a definition, and Scott reminded Trump DEI stands for “diversity, equity, inclusion.” She then tried to pin him down on whether Republicans are saying Harris is the nominee based only on her race and gender.

Trump contended that Harris hadn’t previously identified as Black, but now does.

“She was always of Indian heritage. She was only promoting Indian heritage, 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,” Trump said.