President Donald Trump recently addressed accusations of racism during a White House event for Black History Month. Speaking to attendees, he pointed to his personal ties with well-known Black figures as proof that the claims do not hold up.
Trump highlighted his long-standing connection with boxing legend Mike Tyson. He described Tyson as someone who has stayed loyal through the years. According to Trump, whenever people label him a racist, Tyson steps in to push back.
“He’s not a racist,” Trump recalled Tyson saying. “He’s my friend, he’s been there from the beginning, good times and bad.” Trump added that Tyson is a great guy who has always shown loyalty.
Trump also brought up his friendship with NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor. He called Taylor a great friend and praised him as one of the greatest defensive players in football history.
Powerful: President Donald Trump says he is NOT racist because he is good friends with the legendary Lawrence Taylor.
“Mike Tyson. He has been loyal to me. Whenever they come out and they say Trump is a racist, Mike goes he’s not a racist. Lawrence Taylor is a great friend.”… pic.twitter.com/cCLwqjf6iw
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 19, 2026
Trump noted their bond and even compared their golf games, saying he hits the ball farther off the tee than Taylor does.
Taylor has openly supported Trump for several years. In May 2024, he showed his support by speaking at a campaign rally in Wildwood, New Jersey, where he officially endorsed him.
During this event, Taylor revealed that he had been a Democrat but changed his views after meeting Trump. He also promised that his family would stop voting for the Democratic Party.
Mike Tyson and Lawrence Taylor are Donald Trump’s key examples of black friends
These comments came as Trump listed several prominent Black athletes and entertainers he knows or supports. The remarks followed other recent events where race-related topics surfaced. This includes a controversial social media post involving former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama that drew widespread criticism.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Sarasota Fairgrounds Saturday night, July 3, 2021, that was Co-sponsored by the Republican Party of Florida. Trump, 75, talked about MAGA and the accomplishments of his administration.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Sarasota Fairgrounds Saturday night, July 3, 2021, that was Co-sponsored by the Republican Party of Florida. Trump, 75, talked about MAGA and the accomplishments of his administration.
Sar 070521 Trump Rally 30
Trump’s words fit a pattern from past interviews where he has referenced friendships with Black individuals to counter racism allegations. Sources like Fox News reported on the Black History Month speech, quoting Trump directly on Tyson’s defense and praising Taylor.
Other outlets, including The Independent and The New Republic, covered the event and noted how Trump rattled off names to emphasize his relationships.
The president did not go into detail about specific actions or policies in the speech, but instead focused on personal examples to make his point. Reactions varied, with some seeing it as a direct response to ongoing debates about his record on race.
Trump’s mention of these friendships aims to show that close ties with respected Black figures like Tyson and Taylor mean the racism label does not apply. The event took place on February 18, 2026, at the White House.