Donald Trump has highlighted the historic contributions of Black Americans to the United States’ military and cultural development, telling an audience that African Americans have long played a decisive role in defending the country and shaping its identity.
Speaking during Black History Month commemorations, Trump said nearly 10,000 African Americans fought on the patriot side during the American Revolutionary War, helping secure the nation’s independence.
“Nearly 10,000 African Americans fought for the patriot cause in the Revolutionary War… helping secure our independence,” he said. “And in every generation since… Black Americans have stepped forward to defend the flag, and to defend our country like few others.”
He pointed to historic military units including the Buffalo Soldiers and the Tuskegee Airmen, describing their service as under-recognised.
“You’ve never really been given the recognition that you should get for that,” Trump said, adding that their contributions were “great and amazing.”
Beyond military history, Trump also referenced Black influence on American music, crediting genres such as jazz, blues, rock and roll, and rap with shaping the country’s culture. He mentioned artists including Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters.
During his remarks, Trump singled out rapper Nicki Minaj, calling her “beautiful and so great” and saying she “gets it,” referencing a recent visit.
He also cited historic civil rights figures, including Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King Jr., saying their leadership helped make the country “freer” and life “more just.”
The comments form part of the former president’s broader messaging during Black History Month, as he sought to spotlight the role of African Americans in both the nation’s defence and its cultural and political progress.
.@POTUS: “Since I took office, African American employment has increased by 182,000—the highest ever…nearly half a million black Americans have rejoined the labor force since we took office… Wages have gone up at a much faster clip than inflation.” pic.twitter.com/x5q16ggfnB
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 18, 2026
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