Trump Honors Black Supporters at White House Event

President highlights criminal justice reform, HBCU funding, and praise from Black allies

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

At a White House Black History Month event, President Trump honored the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, showcased praise from Black supporters like his pardon czar Alice Johnson, and touted his administration's policies that he said have benefited Black Americans, including criminal justice reform and funding for historically Black colleges. Trump did not address a recent video he shared depicting the Obamas as apes, which had sparked outrage.

Why it matters

The event was seen as an effort by Trump to shore up support among Black voters ahead of a potential 2024 presidential run, despite his history of controversial statements and policies related to race. The praise from some Black allies was viewed as an attempt to counter accusations of racism that have dogged Trump throughout his political career.

The details

During the event, Trump praised figures like boxer Mike Tyson and rapper Nicki Minaj who have defended him against charges of racism. He also highlighted his criminal justice reform legislation and funding for HBCUs as policies that have benefited the Black community. Trump's pardon czar, Alice Johnson, declared 'this president right here, Donald Trump ... is not for Black America, because he is,' while a Washington woman whose grandson was killed praised Trump for deploying the National Guard to 'bring back safety' in cities with large Black populations.

  • The White House Black History Month event was held on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States who hosted the Black History Month event at the White House.

Alice Johnson

Trump's pardon czar who praised him at the event, saying 'this president right here, Donald Trump ... is not for Black America, because he is.'

Forlesia Cook

A Washington resident who praised Trump for deploying the National Guard, saying 'I love him' and 'I don't want to hear nothing you got to say about that racist stuff.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Don't let anyone tell you that this president right here, Donald Trump ... is not for Black America, because he is.”

— Alice Johnson, Trump's pardon czar

“I love him. I don't want to hear nothing you got to say about that racist stuff.”

— Forlesia Cook, Washington resident

The takeaway

The White House event highlighted Trump's efforts to court Black voters and counter accusations of racism, even as he faced criticism for a recent video depicting the Obamas as apes. The praise from some Black allies was seen as an attempt to bolster his standing with the Black community ahead of a potential 2024 presidential run.