Did Donald Trump cancel Black History Month?
Did Donald Trump cancel Black History Month?
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Trump declared February 2025 National Black History Month on Saturday morning. Amid President Donald Trump’s rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion programs throughout government and the Defense Department declaring “identity months dead,” concern grew this week that Black History Month could be in danger. But White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Friday the President planned to sign a proclamation declaring February as Black History Month, as every president has done since 1976.
Trump followed through, issuing the proclamation on Saturday, February 1. Here’s what we know about Black History Month under Trump, and what prompted concern about its fate:. Trump issued a proclamation naming February Black History Month on Saturday morning. “Today, I am very honored to recognize February 2025 as National Black History Month,” Trump wrote. “American heroes such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Thomas Sowell, Justice Clarence Thomas, and countless others represent what is best in America and her citizens,” he added. “Their achievements, which have monumentally advanced the tradition of equality under the law in our great country, continue to serve as an inspiration for all Americans.”.
Leavitt confirmed this when asked about the observance at a White House press briefing Friday afternoon: “The president looks forward to signing the proclamation celebrating Black History Month.”. However, the proclamation follows the rollback of all diversity, equity and inclusion programs in federal government — and a notice from the Department of Defense declaring “identity months dead.”.
The list also includes: Women’s History Month; Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month; Pride Month; National Hispanic Heritage Month; National Disability Employment Awareness Month; and National American Indian Heritage Month. The memo is titled, “Identity Months Dead at DoD.”. “Our unity and purpose are instrumental to meeting the Department's warfighting mission,” the memo reads. “Efforts to divide the force – to put one group ahead of another – erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution.”.
