U.S. President Donald Trump hosted a White House reception for Black History Month on Wednesday (February 18, 2026), less than two weeks after he sparked a bipartisan outcry by posting a racist video on social media that depicted former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, as primates in a jungle.
Mr. Trump on Wednesday didn't reference the video, which he deleted after a widespread backlash, but said he won't apologise for posting. He also did not reference Barack Obama, the nation's first Black president, but spoke of other history-making Black Americans.
“We celebrate Black History Month. We honor the memory of those who came before us by continuing their legacy,” he said.
Mr. Trump name-checked prominent Black Americans among his supporters, including boxer Mike Tyson, whom Mr. Trump praised for defending him against accusations of racism, and rapper Nicki Minaj, whose skin he praised as “so beautiful” while commenting on how long her fingernails were.
Obama deplores lack of shame after Trump racist social media post
