President Donald Trump welcomed guests to the White House for a Black History Month reception on Wednesday, less than two weeks after sparking bipartisan outrage by posting a racist video depicting former President Barack Obama and his wife as primates.
Trump hosts Black History Month reception amid racial tensions
President Donald Trump presents an American flag to Eagle Scout Alphonso Hill Jr. during an Black History Month in the White House, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in Washington.
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Trump did not address the controversial video, which he deleted but refused to apologize for.
Opening the East Room event, he remarked: "We celebrate the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. That's a big deal. 100th. Wow. That's sort of special."
Praise from supporters
The president name-checked prominent Black supporters, including boxer Mike Tyson and rapper Nicki Minaj.
White House pardon czar Alice Marie Johnson told attendees: "This president hears you. This president cares for you. Don't let anyone tell you that this president is not for Black America."
Contradictory record on DEI
While Trump has long recognized Black History Month, his policies tell a different story.
He has aggressively targeted diversity, equity and inclusion programs—calling them "discrimination"—and pushed to eradicate them from government, even as he celebrated the month's 100th anniversary.