In one of the many bizarre moments at President Donald Trump’s news conference on Thursday, the president asked black reporter April Ryan to set up a meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus — even though she is, she clarified, “just a reporter.” Trump ignored her to say that he “would love to meet with the Black Caucus,” suggesting that it’s just up to the caucus (or, in his view, a random black reporter) to set up a meeting.
Well, it turns out that the Congressional Black Caucus did try to set up a meeting with Trump weeks ago — even before Inauguration Day (January 20).
The Congressional Black Caucus tweeted out the letter:
Hi, @realDonaldTrump. We’re the CBC. We sent you a letter on January 19, but you never wrote us back. Sad! Letter: https://t.co/58KiuHmITF
— The CBC (@OfficialCBC) February 16, 2017
In the letter, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Cedric Richmond offers Trump advice on some of the many issues facing the caucus and its constituents, from the economy to crime. It concludes, “It is my sincere hope that you will accept this invitation to engage in an earnest effort to work together on these issues.”
Trump never responded, perpetuating his bad reputation on issues pertaining to race.