White House Reception Held on the 20th
Criticism Grows Over Trump's Contradictory Actions on Diversity
U.S. President Donald Trump, who is leading the abolition of diversity policies, hosted a reception at the White House on the 20th (local time) to commemorate February's 'Black History Month,' drawing criticism for this contradictory behavior.
On the 20th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump is giving a speech at the Black History Month reception held at the White House in Washington, watched by golfer Tiger Woods. Photo by AP Yonhap News
According to AP News and CNN, President Trump raised his voice at the reception held in the East Room, the White House's banquet hall, saying, "We honor the generations of Black legends, champions, warriors, and patriots who have contributed to making our country great," and "You are truly great and magnificent people."
The event saw a surprise appearance by 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods. Woods is known to be close to President Trump, who is famously a 'golf fanatic.'
President Trump announced plans to include Alice Johnson, whom he pardoned in 2018, in the administration to address prison pardon issues. He also referenced The New York Times' '1619 Project,' emphasizing 1776 as a significant moment in American history.
Some foreign media criticized President Trump for these actions while issuing executive orders that cut off the federal government's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
AP News pointed out, "Trump labeled DEI programs as 'discrimination,' pushed to halt government diversity programs, and ordered the dismissal of DEI staff," adding, "He also pressured the private sector to shift solely to merit-based systems."
CNN reported, "Some Black Republicans view the administration's actions as realizing Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of a society that judges individuals by character, not skin color," but also noted, "Others expressed concerns that removing DEI initiatives could hinder progress in promoting diversity and inclusion within the federal workforce."
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