Trump Celebrates Black History Month, Rejects Racism Claims

President touts relationships with Black leaders, defends administration's record amid ongoing criticism

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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U.S. President Donald Trump marked the 100th anniversary of Black History Month with an event at the White House, highlighting top Black administration officials, rejecting accusations of racism, and promising "a century more" of success for African Americans. The president's remarks came amid ongoing criticism of his administration's efforts to dismantle diversity and inclusion policies, as well as a recent uproar over a social media post featuring a racist depiction of former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.

Why it matters

Trump's event and comments highlight the ongoing debate over his administration's record on race relations and diversity issues. While the president touted his relationships with prominent Black Americans and his administration's policies, critics have accused him of racist rhetoric and actions that could undermine progress on civil rights.

The details

At the White House celebration, Trump praised several top Black administration officials, including Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, former presidential rival and Cabinet secretary Dr. Ben Carson, and White House pardon czar Alice Johnson. The president also defended his criminal justice reform efforts and immigration enforcement policies. However, the event came after a recent controversy over a social media post featuring a racist depiction of the Obamas, which the White House initially defended before deleting.

  • On February 18, 2026, President Trump hosted a White House event marking 100 years of Black History Month.
  • Nearly two weeks prior, an uproar occurred over a social media post on the president's account that featured a racist depiction of former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.

The players

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, who is in his second term.

Barack Obama

The former President of the United States, who served from 2009 to 2017.

Michelle Obama

The former First Lady of the United States, who was married to President Barack Obama.

Tim Scott

A Republican senator from South Carolina who called a social media post featuring a racist depiction of the Obamas "the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House."

Karoline Leavitt

The White House press secretary, who said members of the media have "smeared" the president as a racist.

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What they’re saying

“When I met her, I fell in love,”

— Donald Trump, President (Reuters)

“He keeps it real, just like grandma. I love him, I don't want to hear nothing you got to say about that 'racist' stuff...get off the man's back. Let him do his job, he's doing the right thing, back up off him!”

— Forlesia Cook, Washington, D.C.-area grandmother (Reuters)

The takeaway

President Trump's event and comments highlight the ongoing debate over his administration's record on race relations and diversity issues. While the president touted his relationships with prominent Black Americans and his administration's policies, critics have accused him of racist rhetoric and actions that could undermine progress on civil rights.