Trump showcases Black support, plans Medal of Freedom for Ben Carson

2026-02-18 - 23:02

President Donald Trump sought to highlight his support among Black Americans during a White House Black History Month reception on Wednesday, bringing prominent figures on stage and announcing plans to award former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The event, held just months before midterm elections, showcased Trump's outreach efforts amid polling showing limited Black support for his administration. Carson to Receive Nation's Highest Civilian Honor Trump declared that Carson, who served as HUD secretary during his first administration and was a rival turned ally after the 2016 Republican primaries, would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. "Ben's getting the Presidential Medal of Freedom. That's the biggest. That's the biggest. It's the highest award you can have outside of the Congressional Medal of Honor," Trump told attendees, adding with characteristic hyperbole "but it's better because, you know, a lot of people get the Congressional Medal of Honor." Carson, a renowned neurosurgeon and former Republican presidential candidate, has remained a prominent supporter of Trump's policies and vision. Atlanta National Guard Discussion The president also appeared to test support for potential National Guard deployment to Atlanta, Georgia, describing the need for federal assistance to address crime in the Democratic-led city. "You need help in Atlanta," Trump told the crowd, drawing a raucous response from East Room attendees. "I'll tell you what. You ought to get them to call me. We could take care of Atlanta so fast." Critics view such proposed deployments as efforts to exert federal power over jurisdictions led by Democratic officials, while the administration frames them as necessary crime-fighting measures. Midterm Election Context The reception occurs with just over eight months before US midterm elections, where the party holding the presidency historically loses congressional seats. Trump has repeatedly bemoaned this dynamic while working to mobilize his base and attract broader support. Polling averages compiled by Decision Desk HQ show Trump with approval from approximately 23% of Black Americans, with 74% disapproving of his job performance—figures that underscore the challenges his outreach efforts face despite events highlighting prominent Black supporters and administration achievements.