Members of the National Association of Black Journalists have reportedly planned a boycott as the group agreed to host an event with former President Donald Trump and Fox News host Harris Faulkner Wednesday.
NABJ convention co-chair Karen Attiah announced she would resign after learning about the plans to have a friendly Fox News host moderate Trump at the event in Chicago.
"While my decision was influenced by a variety of factors, I was not involved or consulted with in any way with the decision to platform Trump in such a format," Attiah said.
ABC News Senior Congressional Correspondent Rachel Scott and Semafor Political Reporter Kadia Goba are slated to co-moderate the event.
KXAS reported that other members were expected to boycott. However, NABJ President Ken Lemon defended the decision to host Trump.
"We look forward to our attendees hearing from former President Trump on the critical issues our members and their audiences care about most," Lemon said. "While NABJ does not endorse political candidates as a journalism organization, we understand the serious work of our members, and welcome the opportunity for them to ask the tough questions that will provide the truthful answers Black Americans want and need to know."
In a statement, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) noted that Trump had repeatedly insulted residents during events in the Midwest.
ALSO READ: Bad news for Trump: Harris will bring the receipts on Dobbs abortion decision
"Every time Donald Trump visits the Midwest he tells us how much he hates it," Pritzker said Tuesday. "He called Milwaukee horrible. He called Detroit corrupt. He denigrated Chicago police. His visit to Chicago tomorrow will no doubt be another attempt to distract from his flailing campaign with as many lies as there are vacancies at Trump Tower."
