Trump Hosts Black History Month Celebration Amid DEI Policy Changes

President Donald Trump is set to host a Black History Month celebration at the White House this Thursday, continuing a long-standing presidential tradition. The event takes place as his administration implements an executive order to end Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies. 

The East Room gathering will feature Black political figures, activists, and entertainers who have publicly supported Trump. Among the guests are Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Representative John James (R-Mich.), prison reform advocate Alice Johnson—whom Trump pardoned in 2020—civil rights activist Alveda King, and former NFL star Herschel Walker, who was recently appointed as U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas. 

The entertainment sector will also be represented by former ESPN host Sage Steele, ex-NFL player Jack Brewer, and rap artists Kodak Black, Lil Boosie and Rod Wave. 

Originally scheduled for last week but postponed due to inclement weather, the event follows Trump’s executive order, which labeled DEI initiatives as “discrimination” and directed agencies to phase out related programs and personnel. The administration has also encouraged private companies to move away from DEI initiatives in favor of a merit-based approach. 

Federal agencies have responded differently to the executive order. The Department of Defense announced that "identity months"—such as Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and National Disability Employment Awareness Month—would no longer be observed during official work hours. 

The Department of Transportation echoed this stance, with Secretary Sean Duffy stating, "we will no longer participate in celebrations based on immutable traits or any other identity-based observances." 

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the removal of DEI policies was intended to shift focus away from "political and cultural causes that are divisive at home and deeply unpopular abroad."

At the same time, Trump signed a National Black History Month proclamation on January 31, calling on "public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities." 

This has led to uncertainty over how federal agencies should handle Black History Month and other commemorative observances. 

The administration’s policies have sparked mixed reactions among Black Republicans and conservatives. CJ Pearson, a national co-chair of the Republican National Committee’s youth advisory council, defended Trump’s policies. 

"President Trump’s anti-DEI policies aren’t promoting racism but what they are doing is manifesting the dream of the great Martin Luther King, Jr.: a nation where one isn’t judged by the color of their skin but instead by the content of their character," Pearson said. 

However, Republican strategist Raynard Jackson warned that the administration’s approach could weaken its appeal to minority voters. 

"Trump can build upon the coalition he pulled together in November with Blacks and Asians and Hispanics and young folks," Jackson said. "But if they leave it the way it stands right now, Trump is going to destroy the very coalition he so marvelously brought to the table in November." 

Jackson also pointed to the lack of an alternative to DEI programs. "How do you have diversity without it being a mandated bean-counting situation?" he asked. "They’ve done a masterful job at telling me what they’re against. I’m waiting to hear what they’re for."

Trump has made efforts to expand his support among Black voters through campaign events in predominantly Black communities. His allies, including Rep. Byron Donalds, held discussions in barbershops and conducted outreach in majority-Black cities. 

According to AP VoteCast, Trump secured 16% of the Black vote in the 2024 election, an increase from 8% in 2020. His support was particularly strong among young Black men. However, about 80% of Black voters still backed Democrat Kamala Harris. 

Trump has also made statements that critics argue have been divisive. He claimed that immigrants were taking "Black jobs" and "Hispanic jobs," a message that some found appealing while others viewed as controversial. 

The Black History Month event raises broader questions about how the administration will handle upcoming identity-based observances such as Women’s History Month in March and Pride Month in June. 

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "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." 

The administration’s stance on DEI policies continues to shape discussions on diversity initiatives, and how these policies will impact future commemorations remains to be seen.