President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump hosted a reception at the White House on Tuesday honoring Black History Month.

"Our thoughts turn to the heroes of the civil rights movement whose courage and sacrifices have really totally inspired us all," Trump said at the event. "From the pews to the picket lines, African-American civil rights champions have brought out the best in us."

Trump was joined at the event by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and Surgeon General Jerome Adams, the only two senior Trump administration officials who are black.