The conversation former President Donald Trump had with journalists at the National Association of Black Journalists annual convention started off fiery -- as he was pressed to answer questions about some of this past rhetoric and his presidential campaign. Moderator Rachel Scott, senior congressional correspondent for ABC News, addressed the "elephant in the room," saying many people didn't think it was appropriate for the former president to be invited to the convention. The organization was scrutinized online behind the move, with critics claiming this gives Trump a platform to make false claims. The convention -- held every year -- took place this time in Chicago. During the conference, Black journalists gather for panels, sessions, networking opportunities and more. While the invitation was not an endorsement, NABJ said in a statement the organization sent invitations to all 2024 presidential candidates. Candidates have also participated in forums at past conferences. "I consulted with a group of our Founders and past NABJ Presidents Tuesday on-site in Chicago, and as a group, we affirmed that the invitation to former President Trump was in line with NABJ’s usual practices since 1976," NABJ President Ken Lemon said. Even with the negative feedback, the conversation went on as planned with Scott and other moderators, Harris Faulkner, anchor of The Faulkner Focus and co-host of Outnumbered on FOX News, and Kadia Goba, politics reporter at Semafor. NABJ partnered with PolitiFact to fact-check the former president's remarks in real-time. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/politics/national-politics/donald-trump-nabj-conference-panel-conversation-heated/85-c4cd55f2-5472-45a7-988d-c8331eea7741 ►Subscribe: https://on.wtsp.com/youtube ►Website: https://www.wtsp.com/ ►Facebook: https://facebook.com/10TampaBay ►X: https://twitter.com/10TampaBay