During a White House Black History Month event on Wednesday, Black Allies Defend Trump on Race
President Trump speaks as White House pardon czar Alice Johnson listens during a Black History Month event in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard)
During a White House Black History Month event on Wednesday, President Trump honored the Rev. Jesse Jackson while highlighting praise from Black supporters and revisiting his record on race-related policies. The event came shortly after controversy erupted over a video Trump shared on Truth Social depicting Barack and Michelle Obama in a derogatory manner.
“Don’t let anyone tell you that this president right here, Donald Trump … is not for Black America, because he is,” said Alice Johnson, his pardon czar, according to USA Today. “I’m standing here today as a testament … to how he feels about Black Americans.”
Trump did not reference the video or the Obamas during the gathering. “We celebrate Black History Month,” he said. “We honor the memory of those who came before us by continuing their legacy.” He called Jackson, who died Tuesday, “a real hero” and offered condolences, even while calling him “a piece of work.” Trump also highlighted prominent Black Americans who support him, according to the AP, praising boxer Mike Tyson for defending him against accusations of racism and noting rapper Nicki Minaj’s appearance and long fingernails.
Trump emphasized his criminal justice legislation and funding for historically Black colleges, as well as a law he signed last year eliminating federal income taxes on tips. He also mentioned his deployment of National Guard troops “to bring back safety” in cities with large Black populations as a policy that has benefited Black Americans. Forlesia Cook, whose grandson was killed in Washington, praised Trump for the deployment. “I love him,” Cook said. “I don’t want to hear nothing you got to say about that racist stuff.”
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