LIVE: Trump attends Black History Month event at White House
TL;DR
President Trump hosts a Black History Month event at the White House, honoring the late Jesse Jackson, highlighting criminal justice reforms and HBCU funding, and showcasing key Black supporters including Ben Carson and Alice Johnson while outlining priorities like school choice and election integrity.
🏅 Honors and Administration Recognition 3 insights
Trump eulogizes Reverend Jesse Jackson
Trump pays tribute to the late civil rights leader, describing him as a "real hero" with "serious street smarts" and a "force of nature" who improved with age.
Ben Carson to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
Trump announces former HUD Secretary Ben Carson will receive the nation's highest civilian honor, with the ceremony to be held in the East Room due to expected high attendance.
Scott Turner praised as Energizer Bunny
Current HUD Secretary Scott Turner receives accolades from Carson and Trump for his work ethic and for being the "driving force" behind Opportunity Zones.
📈 Economic and Education Initiatives 3 insights
Permanent funding secured for HBCUs
Trump claims credit for ending the annual appropriations cycle for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, providing long-term financing so presidents no longer have to "come back every year like beggars."
Opportunity Zones highlighted as success
The administration touts Opportunity Zones as effective public-private partnerships bringing investment to underserved communities, with credit given to Senator Tim Scott for initiating the policy.
Gas prices drop below two dollars
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent notes gasoline is breaking $2 per gallon in many locations, part of an economic turnaround from the inherited "mess."
⚖️ Criminal Justice Reform 3 insights
Alice Johnson commuted after twenty two years
Johnson shares her story of receiving clemency after serving 22 years of a 50-year sentence for a non-violent offense involving a phone call, with 28 years remaining.
First Step Act frees forty thousand inmates
Johnson cites the First Step Act as resulting in over 40,000 early releases, noting many were Black Americans who "had no hope" of returning to families.
Johnson appointed as pardon advisor
Trump explains he appointed Johnson as "pardon czar" over Ivy League candidates because her incarceration experience helps identify worthy clemency candidates.
🗳️ Political Priorities and Media 3 insights
Leo Terrell endorses Save Act legislation
Civil rights attorney Leo Terrell urges support for the Save Act to ensure "American citizens decide American elections" while calling Trump the "greatest president in our lifetime."
Harvard faces discrimination investigation
Trump directs Assistant Attorney General Harit Diller to continue pursuing legal action against Harvard University, claiming the institution is "extremely discriminatory."
School choice emphasized as priority
Multiple speakers highlight school choice as a key administration priority for Black communities, alongside law and order and secure borders.
Bottom Line
The event served as a platform to showcase specific policy wins with Black voters—particularly permanent HBCU funding and criminal justice reform—while consolidating support among high-profile Black conservatives and framing the administration as delivering economic and educational opportunity.
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