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Trump cancels press event after scheduled meeting with black religious leaders – Metro US

Trump cancels press event after scheduled meeting with black religious leaders

Trump cancels press event after scheduled meeting with black religious
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Leading GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump backtracked on what his campaign said would be an endorsement event with a coalition of black religious leaders.

“On Monday, Mr. Trump will host an informational meet and greet with many members of the Coalition of African American Ministers,” spokeswoman Hope Hicks told reporters in a statement Sunday.

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The statement added it was a private meeting at Trump Tower in Manhattan”after which, a number of attendees are expected to endorse Mr. Trump’s campaign for president.”

However, the Facebook page for at least one of the invited leaders Bishop Clarence E. McClendon said he was invited and listed as an invitee despite no plans to attend the sit-down with Trump.

“The meeting was presented not as a meeting to endorse but as a meeting to engage in dialogue,” the statement said on Friday.

Bishop Paul S. Morton also tweeted he was asked to meet with the real estate magnate turned Republican frontrunner, “but I refused because until he learns how to respect people you can’t represent me thru my endorsement.”

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Bishop Corletta J. Vaughn echoed both her fellow leaders statements in a Facebook post.

“I was invited to attend a gathering of clergy to listen to Mr. Trump on Monday November 30,” she wrote. “I respectively declined as I do not support nor will endorse Donald Trump.”

The list of leaders was reportedly drafted by Pastor Darrell Scott, who organized the meeting.

“All of these guys are my friends and they know me,” Scott told the Daily Beast. “I let them know I am endorsing, but that doesn’t mean you are endorsing.”