Overview

• President Donald Trump held a Black History Month reception at the White House attended by prominent Black supporters and figures, including Tiger Woods and Alice Johnson.
• The event coincided with Trump's executive order eliminating federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which he labeled as discriminatory.
• Federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, have interpreted the order to end recognition of cultural identity months, such as Black History Month, in official capacities.
• The administration has issued a deadline for schools and universities to dismantle diversity initiatives or risk losing federal funding, citing claims of 'reverse racism.'
• Critics argue that dismantling DEI programs undermines progress for disadvantaged communities, while some Black conservatives defend the policies as promoting merit-based equality.