Story perspectives

Trump Honors Black History Month Amid Controversy and Backlash

2/20/2026

Center

Trump Honors Jackson

U.S. President Donald Trump celebrated Black History Month at the White House on February 18, 2026, honoring Jesse Jackson.
He drew backlash for sharing a controversial video of the Obamas, condemned as racist.
During the event, he highlighted criminal justice reform and funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore criticized excluding him from a bipartisan gathering, noting the significance of being the only Black governor.

Right

Cook Defends Trump

Forlesia Cook, a grandmother from Washington, D.C., defended U.S. President Donald Trump against racism charges at a Black History Month event.
She urged residents of Democrat-run cities to prioritize issues over party loyalty, telling them to "Vote for causes."
Cook cited the 2017 death of her son from gun violence, praised Trump’s crime-reduction efforts, and called for unity and for changes in laws to ensure justice for violence victims.

Left

Thomas Defends Trump

Virginia 'Ginni' Thomas, a White House Black History Month event attendee, defends U.S. President Donald Trump.
Applause reflected a sentiment among some attendees that Trump's policies on criminal justice reform and economic opportunity for Black Americans are overlooked.
Trump highlighted achievements, including low Black unemployment and support for Historically Black Colleges.
The SAVE America Act was promoted as protecting voting rights, though critics fear disenfranchisement for Black voters.

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Trump Honors Jackson

U.S. President Donald Trump celebrated Black History Month at the White House on February 18, 2026, honoring Jesse Jackson.
He drew backlash for sharing a controversial video of the Obamas, condemned as racist.
During the event, he highlighted criminal justice reform and funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore criticized excluding him from a bipartisan gathering, noting the significance of being the only Black governor.

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