Trump Honors Black History Month, Despite His Criticism of Diversity Efforts
President Trump made his presence known at a bustling White House event, joined by Tiger Woods, as the crowd cheered loudly. The celebration took place even as he continues to dismantle federal initiatives intended to counteract inequality in America.
The festive Black History Month reception at the White House carried the grandeur of past events. Attendees enjoyed champagne, lamb chops, and collard greens, snapping selfies and celebrating their invitations. When President Trump was accompanied by globally renowned Black athlete Tiger Woods, the audience erupted with cheers, waving their phones in the air.
However, there was a noticeable disconnection in the East Room. Though Trump praised the contributions of Black Americans during the celebration, he has consistently undermined federal initiatives designed to tackle inequality since his inauguration. He has implied that the civil rights movement has victimized white people and even attributed a fatal plane crash in the Potomac River to diversity initiatives within the Federal Aviation Administration.
In an attempt to acknowledge the Black community, Mr. Trump lauded those he believes embody the progress of Black Americans. "Let me ask you," Trump began, "is there anybody like our Tiger?"
Trump and Woods are currently engaged in discussions regarding a potentially profitable golf collaboration. Woods was a recurrent theme in Trump's nearly 20-minute speech, but he was not the only Black athlete honored. Trump also mentioned Muhammad Ali and Kobe Bryant.
The president, who has seen an increase in support from Black voters in 2024, assured the gathering of over 400 guests that he intends to "work with you." Nonetheless, Trump largely overlooked the historical challenges faced by the Black community, such as higher poverty rates, the wage and wealth disparity between Black and white Americans, and gun violence. He pledged to feature statues of Black Americans in a proposed "National Garden of American Heroes."