Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) recently shut down a hostile CNN reporter who questioned him on his support for former President Donald Trump as a Black American. Despite being interrupted by the interviewer who constantly disputed Donalds’ position, suggesting his support for Trump was at odds with the goals of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Florida Republican maintained that who he supports is his discretion.
Criticizing past statements from former President Trump, the CNN host said, “Your defense of a person that said things like that might be incongruent with the mission of the CBC.” Donalds replied, “First of all, whatever the President said in the past, it’s nothing to do with disinfectant at all. I think…” Interrupting his response, the host said, “You’ve defended. You’ve defended…,” before Donalds cut fire back, “Don’t cut me off. I have not cut you off in this interview. Please do not do that to me. Thank you.”
Explaining his stance, Donalds cited the various Black political organizations he has participated in over the years while maintaining that his support for Donald Trump has remained consistent. The Florida Republican emphasized that he is is allowed to have his own thoughts and political opinions that reflect his values.
He said, “As a Black man in America, I’m allowed to have my own thoughts on who I choose to support, who I choose not to support. I think that it’s important whether you’re talking about the Congressional Black Caucus or the Florida State Legislative Black Caucus or the National Caucus of State Black Legislators, organizations I have been a part of in the past, my support of President Trump has been consistent.”
Continuing, Donalds pointed out that this has not negated his ability to promote solutions for the problems his constituents in the Black community face. “But at the same time, I’ve had the ability to advocate for issues, ideas, proposals and funding that have helped the Black community in my state. The representative further highlighted his attendance at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). “You’re talking to somebody who my first three years in college was at Florida A&M an HBCU,” he noted.
Donalds then doubled down on his support for Trump, stating that it is irrelevant to the discussion at hand. “So whether my support, my support for President Trump, or whether it’s for or against, is irrelevant. That has nothing to do with this discussion,” he said. “This is whether the ideology of somebody who is conservative is welcome in the Congressional Black Caucus,” he added, noting what the conversation is really about.
Social media users praised Donalds for navigating the hostile interview with CNN. One person said, “Donalds is no joke. I’d like to see him on a ticket for Pres/VP sometime in the future but right now he is right where we need him the most.” Another commented, “Byron is a rising star. I think will see good things from him in the future. The Trump Representatives have found their place in Congress. I am sure there will be more in the future.”
Watch Donalds below:
Note: The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded video.
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