Trump is reshaping how the federal government presents Black history

Agencies have revised exhibits, removed materials and faced lawsuits over historical interpretation

It’s Black History Month — and President Donald Trump has put his stamp on the decades-old commemoration.

The White House’s 2026 Black History Month proclamation said Black history “is not distinct from American history.” Black History Month, the proclamation said, has been twisted by “the progressive movement and far-left politicians” who have “sought to needlessly divide our citizens on the basis of race, painting a toxic and distorted and disfigured vision of our history, heritage, and heroes.”

At a Feb. 18 White House event, Trump lauded Black celebrities and closed his remarks with, “Happy Black History Month! Happy Black History Year! And happy Black History Century!”