Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) recently shut down a hostile CNN reporter who questioned him on his support for former President Donald Trump as a Black American. Despite being interrupted by the interviewer who constantly disputed Donalds’ position, suggesting his support for Trump was at odds with the goals of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Florida Republican maintained that who he supports is his discretion.

Criticizing past statements from former President Trump, the CNN host said, “Your defense of a person that said things like that might be incongruent with the mission of the CBC.” Donalds replied, “First of all, whatever the President said in the past, it’s nothing to do with disinfectant at all. I think…” Interrupting his response, the host said, “You’ve defended. You’ve defended…,” before Donalds cut fire back, “Don’t cut me off. I have not cut you off in this interview. Please do not do that to me. Thank you.”

Explaining his stance, Donalds cited the various Black political organizations he has participated in over the years while maintaining that his support for Donald Trump has remained consistent. The Florida Republican emphasized that he is is allowed to have his own thoughts and political opinions that reflect his values.

He said, “As a Black man in America, I’m allowed to have my own thoughts on who I choose to support, who I choose not to support. I think that it’s important whether you’re talking about the Congressional Black Caucus or the Florida State Legislative Black Caucus or the National Caucus of State Black Legislators, organizations I have been a part of in the past, my support of President Trump has been consistent.”