Trump Honors Black History Month, Awards Medal of Freedom to Ben Carson

President Trump celebrates 100th anniversary of Black History Month at White House event.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 3:23am

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President Donald Trump announced that former Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a White House event marking the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. Trump also praised several African American leaders and artists, including Nicki Minaj, and touted his administration's policies and accomplishments for the Black community.

Why it matters

The White House event celebrating Black History Month highlights the political dynamics around race and the Trump administration's efforts to appeal to Black voters ahead of the 2024 election. The announcement of the Medal of Freedom for Ben Carson, a prominent Black Trump ally, also underscores the administration's efforts to recognize Black leaders.

The details

At the event, Trump announced that Ben Carson will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's top civilian honor. Trump also paid tribute to the late Reverend Jesse Jackson, calling him a "real hero." The President highlighted his administration's policies, including criminal justice reform, funding for historically Black colleges and universities, and economic indicators like low Black unemployment. Trump also praised rapper Nicki Minaj and invited a small business owner to speak about the benefits of his tax proposals.

  • The White House event was held on February 18, 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.

The players

Ben Carson

Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under the Trump administration, who will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Reverend Jesse Jackson

Civil rights leader and former presidential candidate who recently passed away.

Nicki Minaj

Prominent African American rapper who Trump praised during the event.

Scott Turner

Current Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, recommended by Ben Carson.

Alice Johnson

Pardoned by President Trump, who described her as the White House "pardon czar."

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What they’re saying

“Ben's getting the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It's the highest award you can have outside of the Congressional Medal of Honor.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“I just want to pay my highest respects to Reverend Jesse Jackson. He was a real hero, and he really was special, with lots of personality, grit and street smarts.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“I love Nicki Minaj. She was here a couple of weeks ago. So beautiful, and she gets it. And more importantly, she gets it.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“President Trump did something historic in his first term. He signed the First Step act into law. Over 40,000 individuals have come home to their families early.”

— Alice Johnson, White House Pardon Czar

“no tax on tips has been amazing blessing for me.”

— Small business owner from Arkansas

What’s next

The Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony for Ben Carson is expected to take place in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The White House event showcased the Trump administration's efforts to appeal to Black voters and highlight its policies and accomplishments for the Black community, as the 2024 election cycle approaches. The announcement of the Medal of Freedom for Ben Carson, a prominent Black Trump ally, underscores the administration's attempts to recognize Black leaders.