Melik Abdul, a member of the ‘Black Americans for Trump’ coalition pushed back on criticism the president is facing about a Black History Month event at the White House, while pointing out that he was not invited to the reception.
On CNN’s Saturday Morning show, “Table for Five,” host Abby Phillip noted that the reception at the White House comes as the Trump administration is trying to “erase Black history.”
Phillip cited moves at federal agencies to ban identity months, including Black History Month, after Trump’s anti-DEI order and comments made by education secretary nominee, Linda McMohan, at her confirmation hearing saying she is unsure whether Black history will be allowed to be taught in American schools.
Abdul defended the Trump administration claiming they’re “not trying to cancel Black history. They are trying to focus on DEI programs.”
“I was happy that he had the event at the White House,” he continued in a clip highlighted by Mediaite. “People don’t realize this is an annual event at the White House. Presidents, Republican and Democrats have put these events on each year.”
“Now, to be clear, I didn’t get an invite,” he added. “I didn’t get an invite.”
Abdul’s convoluted reasoning led him to admit that the Trump administration is “sending two different signals,” about Black history but argued that is a good thing “because it shows that Donald Trump is at least listening.”
