Even though President Donald Trump signed a lot of executive orders at the start of his second term, the claim that he had canceled Black History Month caused a lot of debate. This claim went viral quickly on social media, which led to arguments and worries among people who support civil rights and diversity. Since February is Black History Month in the United States, this claim got even stronger.

Learn more: Black History Month In USA: Dates, Celebration, Quotes, History and Meaning

Trump Outlines America First Agenda: What It Means for Black Americans
Trump Outlines America First Agenda: What It Means for Black Americans

The Origins of the Claim

The rumor about President Trump allegedly canceling Black History Month seems to have originated from a post by attorney Mark S. Zaid on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). Zaid, who has worked on national security cases and whistleblower issues, alleged that Trump’s executive order ending Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within federal agencies included instructions to federal employees not to observe Black History Month.

In his post, Zaid stated:

"CIA employees were told all resource & affinity groups are canceled. No Black History Month or MLK celebration, or any other ethnic recognition months. DEI folks are to be fired rather than allowed to rotate to former offices."

This claim quickly spread across social media platforms, amplifying concerns that federal agencies had been explicitly directed to discontinue celebrating Black History Month. The post, however, lacks substantiated evidence and remains unverified.

Mark S. Zaid - an attorney working on national security cases, claimed on X that Donald Trump, as part of his order to end DEI policies
Mark S. Zaid - an attorney working on national security cases, claimed on X that Donald Trump, as part of his order to end DEI policies
Claims that President Trump canceled Black History Month circulated widely on social media
Claims that President Trump canceled Black History Month circulated widely on social media

Trump’s Executive Order on DEI Programs

On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order that terminated DEI programs across federal agencies. The order instructed federal departments to halt all initiatives, training programs, and policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It also mandated that federal contracts with DEI-related provisions be voided. Agency leaders were given a 60-day window to implement these changes fully.

This executive action marked a significant policy shift, as DEI programs had been central to addressing systemic inequities and promoting representation within government institutions. Critics of the order, including civil rights organizations and advocates for marginalized communities, argued that it undermined decades of progress toward building inclusive workplaces. They raised concerns that the order could discourage diversity celebrations and observances within federal agencies.

However, it is important to note that the executive order did not explicitly mention Black History Month, nor did it contain language directing the cancellation of ethnic or cultural observances. The order’s focus was on ending federally funded DEI programs, which indirectly raised concerns about whether agencies would continue to celebrate events like Black History Month.

Trump and Black History Month

During his first term in office, President Trump officially recognized Black History Month each year by issuing presidential proclamations. These proclamations celebrated the contributions, resilience, and achievements of African Americans throughout U.S. history.

For example:

  • In 2018, Trump’s proclamation praised the "resolve and courage" of Black Americans, highlighting their role in shaping the nation's story.
  • In 2020, his statement focused on the "perseverance and faith" of Black Americans in overcoming adversity and making lasting contributions to society.

In addition to these proclamations, Trump held events at the White House to commemorate Black History Month, inviting Black leaders and public figures to celebrate African American culture and history.

Despite these actions during his first term, Trump’s broader relationship with diversity initiatives, civil rights issues, and minority communities has been a topic of significant debate and criticism. His administration’s policies and rhetoric have often been perceived as divisive, which adds context to the concerns raised about his executive order on DEI programs.

Media and Public Reactions

The claim that Trump had canceled Black History Month sparked heated debates in media outlets and online forums. Some commentators and analysts interpreted the executive order on DEI programs as a broader rejection of diversity initiatives, which could indirectly impact celebrations like Black History Month.

On the talk show The View, co-hosts discussed the implications of the order:

  • Sunny Hostin criticized the move as part of what she called a "war on women" and minorities, arguing that it signaled a retreat from efforts to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of marginalized groups.
  • Sara Haines questioned the effectiveness of DEI programs, pointing to studies suggesting that billions of dollars spent on such initiatives have yielded mixed results. She, however, acknowledged the symbolic importance of observances like Black History Month.

Other commentators emphasized that canceling DEI programs does not equate to canceling cultural observances, as such celebrations often occur independently of federal funding or initiatives. They argued that Black History Month remains an important part of American society, observed by schools, community organizations, and private institutions regardless of federal policies.

What Do the Facts Say?

After examining available information, there is no concrete evidence to support the claim that President Trump has explicitly canceled Black History Month. While his executive order on DEI programs has raised concerns about the future of diversity initiatives within federal agencies, Black History Month remains an officially recognized observance in the United States.

Additionally:

  • No official directive from the Trump administration instructs federal agencies to discontinue celebrating Black History Month.
  • The claim made by Mark S. Zaid on social media remains unverified, with no supporting evidence from government documents or credible sources.

Black History Month continues to be widely celebrated across the country, with schools, communities, and organizations recognizing the achievements and history of African Americans. The annual observance is deeply rooted in American culture, dating back to 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson established "Negro History Week," which later evolved into Black History Month.

In Conclusion

There is no proof that Black History Month was canceled by President Donald Trump. Although his executive order terminating DEI programs has raised questions about how it will affect diversity and inclusion in federal agencies, there is no concrete proof that the cancellation of Black History Month is related to this policy.

The significance of critically assessing content shared on social media and depending on reliable sources for fact-checking is highlighted by this case. As a chance to commemorate the accomplishments and legacy of African Americans, Black History Month continues to be an essential component of American culture. To create a more inclusive future, it is imperative that we keep commemorating this observance and tackling structural injustices.

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