President Trump signed a proclamation on Friday recognizing Black History Month, despite widespread speculation and social media rumors suggesting he planned to cancel it, reported KEPR. 

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt represented his commitment to the observance, emphasizing that Trump was staying true to tradition.

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In his statement, Trump acknowledged the profound influence of Black American leaders such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Thomas Sowell, and Justice Clarence Thomas.

He called on educators, public officials, and all Americans to observe February with appropriate events and activities. 

Controversy flares after reports surfaced that the Defense Intelligence Agency had issued a memo pausing Black History Month events along with several other observances, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth, and LGBTQ Pride Month.

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Additionally, Trump’s recent executive order halting federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs fueled further speculation.

Critics accused Trump of erasing key cultural celebrations, while his administration dismissed the claims, asserting that his signing of the proclamation reaffirmed his stance on recognizing Black history.

The tradition of presidential proclamations for Black History Month dates back to 1976 under Gerald Ford, a practice Trump has maintained.

Read more at KEPR.