The White House hosted a vibrant Black History Month reception attended by over 400 guests, including President Trump and Tiger Woods. While Trump celebrated Black American achievements by honoring figures like Muhammad Ali and Rosa Parks, critics pointed out his administration’s rollback of federal programs aimed at combating inequality. Detractors accused him of hypocrisy, claiming he undermines Black history while superficially acknowledging it. Trump’s remarks appeared politically motivated, aligning with conservative views against diversity programs. Supporters defended his stance, emphasizing a merit-based approach over identity politics. Overall, the event highlighted a stark contrast between celebration and ongoing civil rights challenges.
The Black History Month reception at the White House on Thursday was infused with the grandeur reminiscent of previous celebrations. Guests enjoyed champagne and delectable lamb chops with collard greens as they reveled in their invitations and captured selfies. The atmosphere electrified when President Trump emerged alongside one of the greatest Black athletes, Tiger Woods, triggering an enthusiastic response from the crowd, who raised their phones in excitement.
Yet, there was a disconcerting contrast in the East Room.
While Mr. Trump highlighted the contributions of Black Americans during his remarks, it’s crucial to note his actions since taking office have involved dismantling federal programs intended to address inequality in the U.S. He has insinuated that the civil rights movement has victimized white individuals and even linked a tragic plane crash over the Potomac River to diversity initiatives within the Federal Aviation Administration.
On Thursday, Mr. Trump aimed to express his gratitude to the Black community by praising those he regards as symbols of Black American progress.
“Let me ask you,” Mr. Trump inquired at the outset of his address, “is there anybody like our Tiger?”
Mr. Trump and Mr. Woods are currently negotiating a lucrative golf merger, and throughout his approximate 20-minute speech, Mr. Trump mentioned Mr. Woods frequently. Besides Mr. Woods, he also took time to honor Muhammad Ali and Kobe Bryant.
The president, who made strides with Black voters in 2024, addressed an audience of over 400 guests, assuring them that “we’re going to work with you.”
During his speech, however, Mr. Trump largely overlooked key issues that have historically affected the Black community, including high poverty rates, the wealth gap between Black and white Americans, and gun violence. He did announce plans to include statues of notable Black Americans in a new “National Garden of American Heroes.”
Among those to be commemorated was Prince Estabrook, the first Black American who fought in the Revolutionary War, in addition to Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Billie Holiday, and Aretha Franklin — and perhaps Mr. Woods in the future, according to Mr. Trump.
The president also referred to a significant year in Black history — when the first enslaved Africans arrived in America — to criticize his political adversaries.
“The last administration attempted to condense all American history into a solitary year, 1619,” Mr. Trump stated. “However, under our administration, we recognize the vital role Black Americans have consistently played in the noble cause of another date, 1776.”
These remarks underscored Mr. Trump’s alignment with conservatives who criticized The New York Times’ “1619 Project,” which explored the history of slavery in the U.S. and its foundational role in American society. During his first term, Mr. Trump established the 1776 Commission in response to the project, a move he has recently revived.
The event proceeded despite speculation that the White House might opt not to commemorate Black History Month this year, especially as numerous government agencies canceled similar gatherings following Mr. Trump’s executive orders.
Karoline Leavitt, Mr. Trump’s press secretary, avoided a question last month regarding whether the White House intended to acknowledge the occasion. “We will continue to celebrate American history and the contributions that all Americans, regardless of race, religion, or creed, have made to our great country,” Ms. Leavitt responded.
Critics of Mr. Trump indicated that Thursday’s event starkly illustrated the president’s simultaneous celebration and undermining of Black history.
“This White House celebrating Black history is akin to asking a cow to serve steak,” remarked Derrick Johnson, president of the N.A.A.C.P., the country’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, which was not invited to the event.
“He’s hosting a celebration while simultaneously barring people from learning about history and civil rights,” Mr. Johnson continued. “I’m deeply troubled by the idea that — as the youth say — he’s playing in our face.”
White House officials have supported Mr. Trump’s campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs designed to address the repercussions of discriminatory policies faced by women, Black individuals, those with disabilities, and other minority groups. They argue that such programs are wasteful and constitute reverse discrimination.
Trump administration officials maintain that the orders rolling back D.E.I. initiatives were not intended to suppress Black history but to promote racial progress in a “colorblind” society. They also assert that their policies align with the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling banning race-conscious admissions practices in colleges.
Just hours before the Black History Month reception, Stephen Miller, Mr. Trump’s deputy White House chief of staff for policy, criticized D.E.I. policies, claiming that opposing them is one of Mr. Trump’s most significant achievements in his early days in office.
“This nation has been plagued and constrained by illegal discrimination, diversity, equity, and inclusion policies,” Mr. Miller stated. “They’ve hindered our economy and compromised public safety. Every aspect of life has become more difficult, painful, and unsafe.”
Black Republican leaders at the event included Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina and Scott Turner, secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Conservative influencers in attendance included journalist Sage Steele and lawyer Leo Terrell. Many wore “Make America Great Again” hats in various colors, including one with the words “MAGA Black.”
The Rev. Steven Perry, a Michigan pastor who switched his support from Mr. Biden in 2020 to Mr. Trump, expressed his honor at attending the event. He stated his support for Mr. Trump stems from his reliability in following through on promises.
“No one can erase what we’ve accomplished in this nation — it’s evident,” Mr. Perry stated regarding Black Americans. “We have much to take pride in, regardless of whether someone acknowledges us.”
“We need leaders who assist us in achieving our goals, rather than just appeasing our feelings,” he emphasized.
Supporters of Mr. Trump within the Black Republican community have also defended his methods.
Representative Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican and a staunch Trump advocate, shared in a recent TV interview his objections to the concept of “equity,” which he characterized as central to President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s agenda for putting demographic factors above actual qualifications.
“Ultimately, everyone wants to ensure that those earning jobs are competent,” Mr. Donalds stated. “It’s paramount. However, we cannot prioritize diversity above qualifications. It’s no longer 1972; it’s 2025. We’re living in a different era in the United States.”
Dr. Courtney R. Baker, who attended events at the Biden White House including a film screening about Emmett Till, commented that a single event does not absolve Mr. Trump from the ongoing civil rights work necessary today. She compared his organizing of a Black History Month reception to a TV series that dedicates one episode to addressing racism versus dealing with the ongoing realities facing African Americans.
“This administration provides a token acknowledgment of Black life while cleverly, and perhaps deceptively, disconnecting that from current realities,” remarked Dr. Baker, a professor at the University of California, Riverside.
Damon Hewitt, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, stated that the event felt like “rubbing salt in the wound.”
“What appears to be a celebration is, in fact, centered on the support he perceives he has received from Black supporters; once again, it’s about him, not us,” Mr. Hewitt lamented. “It feels like a cruel joke.”