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Trump Signs Executive Order Recognizing HBCUs’ Importance, No Mention of Financial Help

President Donald Trump issued an executive order Tuesday, Feb. 28, to acknowledge how important historically Black colleges and universities are.

“They have played such an important role in achieving progress for African-Americans and in our nation’s march for justice,” Trump says, reading from a statement while surrounded by leaders of the schools. “HBCUs have been, really, pillars of the African-American community for more than 150 years — amazing job — and a grand and enduring symbol of America at its absolute best and I congratulate you all.”

Trump says that the executive order will make HBCUs “an absolute priority” in the White House and noted the Oval Office will support the institutions in their shared mission to make education accessible to everyone.

“A lot of people are gonna be angry that they’re not a priority, but that’s okay,” Trump jokes.

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