Former HUD Secretary Ben Carson Commends Trump for Addressing Hostile NABJ Convention

In a surprising show of support, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Dr. Ben Carson, praised former President Donald Trump for his appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Chicago. Carson commended Trump for facing a "hostile" environment and answering tough questions from journalists.

Carson took to social media, posting on X Wednesday, to express his admiration for Trump's willingness to engage with the NABJ attendees. However, Carson's comments came shortly after Trump's heated exchange with ABC News reporter Rachel Scott during the event. Scott confronted the former President about his controversial statements and actions towards individuals of color.

During the Q&A panel, Scott highlighted various instances where Trump had made derogatory comments towards people of color and questioned him about his language and behavior. She also raised concerns about his association with a White supremacist and challenged him to explain why Black voters should trust him.

Trump, clearly displeased with the line of questioning, fired back, claiming he had never been asked a question in such a "horrible manner." He also criticized ABC News as a fake news network, dismissing Scott's concerns.

Furthermore, Trump sparked controversy when asked about Vice President Kamala Harris and whether her race played a role in her selection as Joe Biden's running mate. Trump made dismissive remarks about Harris, stating that he only realized she was Black a few years ago and suggesting she had primarily promoted her Indian heritage.

Interestingly, Vice President Harris was absent from the convention, with the NABJ citing difficulties in coordinating her appearance with her busy schedule. NABJ President Ken Lemon explained that the organization had been working to find a suitable arrangement, but Harris would not be available in person or virtually for the event.

Carson also pointed out Harris's absence, accusing the NABJ of doing her bidding. He questioned the timing of her arrival in Chicago and suggested that the journalists present were already aligned with her.

Despite the controversies and confrontations, the NABJ did not respond immediately to requests for comments from Fox News Digital.

The clash between Trump and journalists at the NABJ convention highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding race and media representation in American politics. While some, like Carson, appreciate Trump's willingness to face a challenging audience, others view his remarks and actions as divisive and harmful to marginalized communities. As the political landscape continues to evolve, such encounters serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for racial equity and responsible journalism.