Trump’s Black GOP allies challenged during tense discussion tailored to Black men

By Nnamdi Egwuonwu, NBC News

Reps. Wesley Hunt and Byron Donalds brought their “Congress, cognac and cigars” event to the Atlanta area, where they were pushed on their voting records and policy positions.

FAIRBURN, Ga. — As Reps. Wesley Hunt of Texas and Byron Donalds of Florida began the latest iteration of their “Congress, cognac and cigars” event aimed at bringing more Black men into the GOP fold here just outside Atlanta, the two Donald Trump allies set their intentions for the conversation.

“All we want is for you to hear us out,” Hunt said, maintaining that the audience members did not have to agree with everything they said and would have the opportunity to voice their own opinions. 

Throughout the roughly two-hour conversation, moderated by former ESPN host Sage Steele, a conservative podcaster, at a cigar lounge filled with a diverse but predominantly Black audience, several Black men took them up on that opportunity. 

Several repeatedly challenged Donalds and Hunt over their legislative track record, their stances on immigration and reparations, and their unwavering support for Trump. The dialogue at times got contentious, with several audience members accusing them at various times of repeating generic Republican talking points or deflecting issues of concern.

The event highlighted the challenges Trump’s Black allies may face trying to win over independent or traditionally Democratic voters in cities like Atlanta, some of whom remain skeptical of the Republican Party despite its efforts to more aggressively court voters of color.

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