Trump campaign Black media director Janiyah Thomas criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for not attending the National Association of Black Journalists convention, while former President Trump accepted the invitation and fielded tough questions from Black reporters.
Vice President Kamala Harris drew criticism from the Trump campaign for her absence at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention on Wednesday. Trump campaign Black media director Janiyah Thomas blasted Harris for skipping the event, contrasting her move with former President Trump's willingness to attend and answer hard questions from Black reporters.
"Vice president Harris also received the same invitation, and she was nowhere to be found," Thomas told "Fox & Friends" co-host Steve Doocy on Thursday morning following the event.
Trump Campaign Slams Harris for Skipping Black Journalists Event While Trump Attends
Trump attended a live Q&A panel at the convention where he was interviewed by ABC News reporter Rachel Scott, Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner, and Semafor reporter Kadia Goba about his policies, in particular those that directly affect the African American community.
Trump's appearance was marked by moments of tension and controversy, including his verbal sparring with Scott, who opened the discussion by accusing the president of attacking Black journalists, Black politicians, and Black voters.
Trump Campaign Slams Harris for Skipping Black Journalists Event While Trump Attends
Despite the controversy surrounding Trump's remarks, Thomas touted the fact that he made the appearance at all. "The important fact we need to take away from this event is that President Trump showed up," Thomas declared.
Thomas defended Trump's decision to attend, even though he faced hostile questioning. "I think at the end of the day, like it’s important to show up, especially, you know, knowing this was going to be a hostile environment, and not a friendly environment," she said. "But I mean it shows that we’re willing to fight, and fight for all Americans. And that means going to places where you’re not always welcome."
Trump Campaign Slams Harris for Skipping Black Journalists Event While Trump Attends
Thomas then criticized Harris for not attending the convention. "Like I said earlier, this event has gone on for decades. It’s an event that happens every year. She’s been aware of the event, you know, she wanted to be here, I think she could’ve made time to be here, regardless of being at the top of the ticket or not."
"I hope that they treat her the same way. I hope they ask her the same type of harsh questions that they asked President Trump when they do, or if they do talk to her in November," Thomas concluded.
Harris has not publicly commented on her absence at the NABJ convention.
