Trump hosts Black History Month reception, weeks after backlash over racist post
The Hindu
Trump hosts a Black History Month reception amid controversy over a racist social media post and his policies on diversity.
U.S. President Donald Trump hosted a White House reception for Black History Month on Wednesday (February 18, 2026), less than two weeks after he sparked a bipartisan outcry by posting a racist video on social media that depicted former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, as primates in a jungle.
Mr. Trump on Wednesday didn't reference the video, which he deleted after a widespread backlash, but said he won't apologise for posting. He also did not reference Barack Obama, the nation's first Black president, but spoke of other history-making Black Americans.
“We celebrate Black History Month. We honor the memory of those who came before us by continuing their legacy,” he said.
Mr. Trump name-checked prominent Black Americans among his supporters, including boxer Mike Tyson, whom Mr. Trump praised for defending him against accusations of racism, and rapper Nicki Minaj, whose skin he praised as “so beautiful” while commenting on how long her fingernails were.
The Republican President brought onstage several members of his administration, including Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner and White House pardon czar Alice Marie Johnson.
“As you look out upon this sea of Black Americans, this president hears you. This president cares for you. Don't let anyone tell you that this president right here, Donald Trump has not — is not for Black America," Ms. Johnson said. “Because he is.”
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