President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by asking a black journalist to arrange a meeting for him with the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), just minutes after declaring himself 'the least racist person' at a press conference.
April Ryan, a correspondent for American Urban Radio Networks, asked Trump whether he planned to include the CBC in discussions about his 'inner city' policies. The president responded by repeatedly asking Ryan to set up a meeting, suggesting that caucus members might be 'friends of yours'.
'Are they friends of yours? No, go ahead,' Trump said. 'Set up the meeting.' He then accused Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings, a senior CBC member, of being instructed not to meet with him. Cummings denied the claim, stating he was looking forward to discussing health policy with the president.
Ryan later tweeted: 'I am a journalist not a convener! But thank you for answering my questions.' The CBC also responded on Twitter, noting they had sent Trump a letter on 19 January but received no reply.
The incident came after Ryan accused Trump aide Omarosa Manigault of physically intimidating her and making verbal threats. Manigault dismissed the allegations as 'fake news'.
Earlier in the press conference, Trump told a Jewish reporter to 'sit down' before declaring himself 'the least antisemitic person' and blaming opponents for antisemitic acts without evidence. The exchange has drawn criticism, with Trump's campaign previously accused of fomenting racial divisions.
