Trump made the comments at the annual convention of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) in Chicago.
Donald Trump has stunned an audience of African American journalists in Chicago, after questioning whether Vice President Kamala Harris is Indian or Black.
Speaking at the annual convention of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Trump was asked if he thought Harris was only on the Democratic ticket because she was a Black woman.
In his response, the former president claimed that in the past, Harris had only spoken about her Indian heritage.
“She was only promoting Indian heritage, I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black and now she wants to be known as Black. So, I don’t know, is she Indian or is she Black?”
“She was Indian all the way and then she became a Black person.”
Some audience members could be heard gasping and laughing at his response.
The question and answer session became heated within minutes of Trump taking to the stage.
The former president was grilled by ABC News journalist Rachel Scott, who asked him about his past criticism of Black people, his attack on Black prosecutors and a dinner he had with a white supremacist in Florida.
Trump became hostile, accusing Scott of giving him a “very rude introduction” and referring to ABC News as “fake news.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever been asked a question in such a horrible manner,” he said.
“I think it’s disgraceful that I came here in good spirit. I love the Black population of this country, I’ve done so much for the Black population of this country.
“I have been the best president for the Black population since President Lincoln.”
The Republican presidential nominee also claimed that illegal immigrants are “taking Black jobs.”
When Scott asked what constituted a “Black job,” Trump responded by saying it was “any job,” drawing groans from the audience.
Trump’s acceptance of NABJ’s invitation prompted at least one high-profile member of the organization to step down as the co-chair of the convention.
Others were concerned that he would be given a platform to make false claims or give the impression he had the group’s endorsement.
Trump is due to hold a campaign rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania later on Wednesday.
