Watch Live: Trump Hosts White House Reception for Black History Month Amid Controversy

President Trump will host a reception at the White House on Wednesday afternoon to mark Black History Month. The event is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. EST.

On Feb. 3, the president issued a proclamation recognizing Black History Month and praising generations of Black Americans for their contributions to government, law, the military, the economy, the workforce and culture.

“From the very beginning, our country has been blessed with countless black American heroes. For more than two and a half centuries, these legends have made timeless contributions to our government, laws, military, economy, workforce, and culture.”

“With their tremendous legacy in mind, as President, I proclaim that ‘black history’ is not distinct from American history — rather, the history of black Americans is an indispensable chapter in our grand American story.”

The reception comes amid criticism of the administration over allegations that it has been “sanitizing” history at Smithsonian museums and at historical sites managed by the National Park Service. It also follows backlash over a now-deleted video posted to Truth Social that portrayed former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes, a post that drew widespread condemnation.

Trump is also expected to honor the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader who died Tuesday at age 84.

Coverage is set to begin at 3 p.m. EST as the White House commemorates Black History Month and recognizes the contributions of Black Americans throughout U.S. history.