Stephen A. Smith of ESPN ripped into former President Trump at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago. He called Trump’s remarks “divisive” during a time when the country needs unity.
“I wasn’t surprised. Disappointing, but predictable anytime Trump gets a tough question. It’s nasty,” Smith said on NewsNation’s “CUOMO.” He added, “Let’s call it what it is: immature, unpresidential, divisive.”
Trump faced backlash after his combative interview with Rachel Scott at the conference. During the interview, he questioned Vice President Harris’s racial identity.
Harris is the likely Democratic presidential nominee after President Biden withdrew and endorsed her. When Scott pressed Trump on Harris being a diversity hire, he said, “I’ve known her indirectly. She was always of Indian heritage. And she was only promoting Indian heritage.”
“I didn’t know she was Black until years ago when she turned Black. Now she wants to be known as Black,” Trump said during the interview.
“So, I don’t know — is she Indian or Black?” he added. Scott interjected, “She has always identified as a Black woman.”
“But you know what, I respect either one. But she obviously doesn’t. She was Indian, then turned Black,” Trump replied. “Somebody should look into that.”
Smith said these comments show why many voters oppose another Trump presidency.
“It’s why a lot of us don’t want him as the next president. We need unity, and he doesn’t seem to be a unifying force,” Smith told Chris Cuomo.
Trump is sticking to what his base knows, Smith contended.
“It was dog whistling, catering to his base. He knows they’re loyal. He wants to show them he’s still their guy,” he said. “He can be insulting, petulant, immature, and wants his way.”
Smith’s comments echo others slamming Trump’s remarks.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called Trump’s answers “repulsive” and “insulting.”
The Harris campaign called Trump’s appearance “a taste of the chaos and division of his MAGA rallies.”
“It’s what Americans will see from the debate stage as Harris offers a vision of opportunity and freedom for all,” said communications director Michael Tyler. “Trump needs to stop playing games and show up to the debate on September 10.”
The event was seen by some as a chance for Black journalists to grill Trump on issues facing Black Americans. Others had concerns ahead of it.