The Trump administration celebrated Black History Month at the White House on Thursday, Feb. 20, continuing a tradition even as President Trump’s executive order against federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs has caused disruption elsewhere.
Trump has called DEI programs “discrimination,” aiming to eliminate them from the government, order layoffs for DEI workers, and push the private sector to focus solely on merit. This sweeping effort has led to confusion across federal agencies, as they’ve had to figure out how to interpret the order, especially when it comes to acknowledging race in history and culture or reporting demographic data on race and gender.
At the East Room event, Trump was joined by Black political figures and activists who’ve been vocal supporters of his. Some of the guests included Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, Rep. John James of Michigan, prison reform advocate Alice Johnson (whom he pardoned in 2020), Alveda King (the niece of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.), and football legend Herschel Walker, Trump’s pick for U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas. Other guests from sports and entertainment included former ESPN host Sage Steele, ex-NFL player Jack Brewer, and rappers Kodak Black, Lil Boosie, and Rod Wave.
Originally set for last week, the event was postponed due to bad weather.
Meanwhile, Trump’s executive order has sparked some controversy. The Defense Department declared “identity months dead,” meaning that working hours would no longer be dedicated to observances like Black History Month, Women’s History Month, or National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This stance seemed to contradict a National Black History Month proclamation Trump signed the same day, encouraging public officials and citizens to mark the month with relevant programs and activities.
While the White House has made its position clear, federal agencies have the discretion to decide whether or not to recognize Black History Month. For example, on Feb. 1, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced his department would no longer celebrate identity-based observances. Similarly, Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that eliminating DEI policies would help remove divisive cultural issues both at home and abroad.
The administration has also set a deadline for schools and universities to scrap diversity initiatives or face losing federal funding. In recent months, many corporations have adjusted their DEI policies, especially in hiring and workplace culture, amid potential legal challenges from the administration.
Black History Month has been recognized by every U.S. president since 1976, including Trump during his first term.
