The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) has faced backlash after announcing that former President Donald Trump would be participating in a Q&A session at its convention on Wednesday. Leaders for the organization have defended their decision, stating that inviting Trump aligns with their longstanding practice of inviting presidential candidates from both major parties to attend their conference. Despite this explanation, many members and other journalists expressed disappointment in the NABJ’s decision, arguing that it was shortsighted and potentially damaging to the organization’s reputation.
Former senior adviser to President Biden and current MSNBC host Symone D. Sanders Townsend supported the NABJ’s invitation of Trump. She explained that it is essential for journalists to ask tough questions and provide truthful answers, especially when interviewing political candidates like Trump. However, some critics argue that the organization should have handled the announcement with more care and sensitivity, as its decision has created a sense of unease among its members.
Adding to the controversy, Vice President Kamala Harris declined an invitation to attend the convention, citing her need to be at the funeral of Representative Sheila Jackson Lee on Wednesday. The NABJ rejected Harris’ offer to set up a virtual Q&A or reschedule the event for another date, according to a source who spoke with NBC News.
The Trump campaign expressed gratitude for the invitation, with Black Media Director Janiyah Thomas stating that their team believes it is essential to provide more access to presidential candidates for black journalists in order to better inform black voters about the issues at hand. The event will be moderated by Fox News host Harris Faulkner, ABC News congressional correspondent Rachel Scott, and Semafor reporter Kadia Goba, focusing on topics most important to the black community.
