Former President Donald Trump appeared at the National Association of Black Journalists convention Wednesday, and was interviewed by Fox News’ Harris Faulkner, ABC News’ Rachel Scott, and Semafor’s Kadia Goba. The interaction went viral, and Faulkner believes that might have been the motivation from Scott.
While appearing on FOX & Friends Thursday morning, Faulkner shared her belief that the Republican presidential nominee “walked into a racial storm.” Many panned the candidate’s performance, while Faulkner believes there were extenuating circumstances that led to the viral moments.
“We were able to, at some points — the former president and I — have a conversation. So much of what America is focused on today and so much of what that started with, with all that emotion and the gotcha moments from the interviewer who was seated directly to his left has really overtaken the fact that we had an opportunity to talk with a president who walked into a racial storm yesterday,” Faulkner said, alluding to Scott, who sat directly beside Trump during the Chicago event.
The first question posed to Trump by Scott was about his conduct toward women and minorities, which he labeled “horrible” and “very nasty.”
He took issue with the fact that Scott did not began the conversation – which was delayed by more than hour with differing reports on the cause – with pleasantries. Harris Faulkner shared similar sentiments Thursday morning.
“He walks out on stage and not a greeting to acknowledge ‘It’s been 18 days at that point since you survived an assassination attempt. We’re going to ask you tough questions, but Mr. President, welcome and we’re glad you’re still here.’ I mean, it didn’t take much to show humanity and in that moment, I was so disappointed that that didn’t happen,” she shared. “I couldn’t control it, but it got things off to an emotional start. And … once that happens and you’re interviewing someone, there is an agenda.”
