Trump to host Black History Month event as his administration battles DEI initiatives
The gathering is scheduled to take place in the East Room of the White House.
TroibNews 
President Donald Trump is set to recognize the significant contributions of Black Americans during a White House celebration on Thursday, which coincides with his first full month back in office.
During this month, Trump has focused on dismantling long-standing diversity initiatives across the federal government, resulting in the removal of numerous Black employees from the federal workforce. He has also been vocal about his opposition to what he considers “dangerous” and “immoral” race-based diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
Some interpret Trump's Black History Month celebration as an attempt to demonstrate that his outreach to Black Americans does not contradict his commitment to eliminate DEI policies within the government he leads.
The event, which was postponed from last week due to bad weather, will feature Trump as the sole speaker. He is not expected to sign any new executive orders at the gala, according to a source familiar with the preparations. Organizers mentioned that the extra time allowed for planning a more substantial event. The White House has not provided additional comments.
One attendee noted that the celebration acknowledges the crucial influence of Black voters in helping Trump secure a second term. His return to power was partly due to improved support from Black voters, especially Black men, who significantly increased their backing compared to 2020.
Rep. John James of Michigan, one of five Black Republicans in Congress, expressed being "humbled to be able to honor the trailblazers" alongside Trump. During the previous presidential campaign, he appeared with Trump several times in Michigan, a state that flipped to Republican in November.
In the early days of his second term, Trump signed executive orders aimed at dismantling DEI initiatives, pledging to abolish these bipartisan policies not just from civil service but also to leverage the federal government in efforts to “combat illegal private-sector DEI” practices.
Additionally, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered that all identity month celebrations, including Black History Month, be eliminated from the military.
Shermichael Singleton, a well-known Black GOP strategist who is also attending the White House event, remarked, “I understand how people are saying, wait a minute, so are we not doing DEI? Are we not recognizing what Black people are doing? I can see how people can be a little confused.”
In a statement marking the beginning of Black History Month, Trump recognized several notable figures, including Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, while also honoring conservative icons like golfer Tiger Woods and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, labeling economist Thomas Sowell as an American hero.
Many Black Republicans point out the contrast between Trump's past comments and recent actions. For example, during the last presidential debate, he criticized Biden’s immigration policies for their negative impact on “Black jobs,” but a month into his second term, he is perceived as working to eliminate those jobs.
Statistics indicate that one in five federal employees is Black, highlighting the impact of Trump’s directive to reduce the federal workforce across various agencies.
Some Black Americans still in federal positions express concern that Trump's attacks on DEI policies are fostering a hostile work atmosphere. “The fact that we are even discussing federal agencies canceling America’s cultural activities designed to celebrate America’s diversity is disturbing and disappointing,” said a senior Black conservative, seeking anonymity to avoid backlash from Trump supporters. They expressed hope for the improvement of such programs rather than their elimination, which they find “disturbing and disappointing.”
However, not all Black Republicans see an issue with Trump's stance. “DEI only works for the bourgeois and for contractors," stated Armstrong Williams, a Black conservative commentator and co-owner of the Baltimore Sun. “Trump has the right message. It’s been inclusive of all Americans, not just segregating Americans.”
Michael Steele, the first Black chair of the Republican National Committee who did not support Trump, expressed skepticism about the sincerity of the Black History Month celebration. “For Donald Trump, this has never been a serious effort,” Steele remarked, referencing the president’s history of disparaging remarks about Black Americans, including comments regarding former President Barack Obama’s citizenship and the Central Park Five case. He questioned the purpose of the gathering, suggesting it was merely an exercise in appearances rather than a genuine concern for the Black community.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
During this month, Trump has focused on dismantling long-standing diversity initiatives across the federal government, resulting in the removal of numerous Black employees from the federal workforce. He has also been vocal about his opposition to what he considers “dangerous” and “immoral” race-based diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
Some interpret Trump's Black History Month celebration as an attempt to demonstrate that his outreach to Black Americans does not contradict his commitment to eliminate DEI policies within the government he leads.
The event, which was postponed from last week due to bad weather, will feature Trump as the sole speaker. He is not expected to sign any new executive orders at the gala, according to a source familiar with the preparations. Organizers mentioned that the extra time allowed for planning a more substantial event. The White House has not provided additional comments.
One attendee noted that the celebration acknowledges the crucial influence of Black voters in helping Trump secure a second term. His return to power was partly due to improved support from Black voters, especially Black men, who significantly increased their backing compared to 2020.
Rep. John James of Michigan, one of five Black Republicans in Congress, expressed being "humbled to be able to honor the trailblazers" alongside Trump. During the previous presidential campaign, he appeared with Trump several times in Michigan, a state that flipped to Republican in November.
In the early days of his second term, Trump signed executive orders aimed at dismantling DEI initiatives, pledging to abolish these bipartisan policies not just from civil service but also to leverage the federal government in efforts to “combat illegal private-sector DEI” practices.
Additionally, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered that all identity month celebrations, including Black History Month, be eliminated from the military.
Shermichael Singleton, a well-known Black GOP strategist who is also attending the White House event, remarked, “I understand how people are saying, wait a minute, so are we not doing DEI? Are we not recognizing what Black people are doing? I can see how people can be a little confused.”
In a statement marking the beginning of Black History Month, Trump recognized several notable figures, including Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, while also honoring conservative icons like golfer Tiger Woods and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, labeling economist Thomas Sowell as an American hero.
Many Black Republicans point out the contrast between Trump's past comments and recent actions. For example, during the last presidential debate, he criticized Biden’s immigration policies for their negative impact on “Black jobs,” but a month into his second term, he is perceived as working to eliminate those jobs.
Statistics indicate that one in five federal employees is Black, highlighting the impact of Trump’s directive to reduce the federal workforce across various agencies.
Some Black Americans still in federal positions express concern that Trump's attacks on DEI policies are fostering a hostile work atmosphere. “The fact that we are even discussing federal agencies canceling America’s cultural activities designed to celebrate America’s diversity is disturbing and disappointing,” said a senior Black conservative, seeking anonymity to avoid backlash from Trump supporters. They expressed hope for the improvement of such programs rather than their elimination, which they find “disturbing and disappointing.”
However, not all Black Republicans see an issue with Trump's stance. “DEI only works for the bourgeois and for contractors," stated Armstrong Williams, a Black conservative commentator and co-owner of the Baltimore Sun. “Trump has the right message. It’s been inclusive of all Americans, not just segregating Americans.”
Michael Steele, the first Black chair of the Republican National Committee who did not support Trump, expressed skepticism about the sincerity of the Black History Month celebration. “For Donald Trump, this has never been a serious effort,” Steele remarked, referencing the president’s history of disparaging remarks about Black Americans, including comments regarding former President Barack Obama’s citizenship and the Central Park Five case. He questioned the purpose of the gathering, suggesting it was merely an exercise in appearances rather than a genuine concern for the Black community.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
