News | March 5th, 2025
Trump Hosts Black History Month Celebration at White House Amid Mixed Reactions
By: Charrise Lane
President Donald Trump hosted a Black History Month celebration at the White House on February 20, inviting Black leaders from across the country to honor the contributions of Black Americans to U.S. history and culture.
Energy was high as attendees gathered to show their support for the President and celebrate Black history in the making. The event came with accusations that Trump planned to cancel Black History Month nationally, with some calling for accountability from him and the Republican Party.
Political Divide Among Black Voters
Recent surveys highlight a growing divide among Black voters. While some appreciate Trump’s economic policies, others criticize his handling of racial issues. According to a 2023 poll by the American Survey Center, Black support for the Democratic Party is declining, especially among men.
In 2014, 82% of Black women and 78% of Black men identified as Democrats. By 2023, those numbers dropped to 72% for Black women and 58% for Black men, reflecting a 20% decrease among Black men and a 10% decrease among Black women.
A 2024 report from Reuters showed that Trump secured 13% of the Black vote, including 21% of Black men and 7% of Black women. These numbers are higher than any Republican presidential candidate has received in decades.
Celebration Sparks Mixed Reactions
Political activist and founder of Conserve the Culture, Michaelah Montgomery, attended the event and shared her positive experience.
“My experience was amazing,” Montgomery said. “I was already super excited to go. I had never been to the White House, not even for a tour, let alone being personally invited by the President. I thought it was such a great honor to be able to attend.”
She also noted how inspiring it was to see so many people who looked like her and shared her ideas at the White House. However, Montgomery has faced online backlash for her attendance.
“For me, it just goes to show there’s so much division now in politics to the point where clearly, the Black empowerment movement is being lost. I don’t understand how the same people who feel like we’re (Black Republicans) selling ourselves out and we’re race traitors, can even call themselves actual unifiers. You guys aren’t even trying to understand why I would be there at the end of the day,” Montgomery said.
Differing Perspectives on Trump’s Intentions
Political Scientist Chakara Smith, who does not support Trump, acknowledged the significance of the event.
“I appreciate that he (Trump) had Black people at the White House and that he acknowledged Black History Month because I didn’t think that he would. So, it was cool seeing that happen,” Smith said. However, she also described the event as “performative.”
Business owner Dre Hopewell shared a nuanced view, respecting the office of the presidency but questioning Trump’s motives.
“Anybody that takes the time to celebrate Black history is always a good thing, even though it does seem a little contradictory based on his anti-DEI policies and things that he’s been trying to advocate for,” Hopewell said. “Offhand, just initially, it does seem like it is very contradictory based on his doing one thing and saying another.”
He added that while he appreciated Trump’s recognition of Black History Month, he did not believe the President’s intentions were genuine, pointing to policies he viewed as contradictory. Hopewell identifies as “Pro-American” rather than aligning strictly with either political party.
Continued Debate and Political Implications
The event highlighted the ongoing political divide within the Black community, reflecting shifting party loyalties and complex perspectives on Trump’s presidency. As discussions around race, politics, and history continue, the impact of such events on voter behavior remains to be seen.
