Fact Check: Was Trump given the Ellis Island Medal for his work with Black children?

The viral image shows Trump wearing a medal alongside Rosa Parks and Mohammad Ali

PUBLISHED 1 HOUR AGO

An image circulating on Facebook claims Donald Trump was recognized decades before his presidency alongside civil rights icons Rosa Parks and Muhammad Ali (Leslie Bartlett/Facebook)

WASHINGTON, DC: A photo circulating on social media platforms showing President Donald Trump standing alongside Muhammad Ali and Rosa Parks claims that Trump was given the Ellis Island Medal. The rumour has triggered questions, with many questioning the authenticity of the claim. Let us fact-check the claim.

Claim: Donald Trump was given Ellis Island award for helping Black youths

The viral image, which surfaced on Facebook on February 16, includes a photo of Trump wearing a medal alongside Parks, Ali, singer Anita Bryant, pianist Victor Borge, and professional baseball player Joe DiMaggio.

It was accompanied by an overlay text stating, "Why doesn't the media remember this? Trump being given the Ellis Island award for contributing to the conditions of inner city Black youths, standing alongside Muhammad Ali and Rosa Parks."

While some believed the photo to be true, many expressed scepticism about its authenticity.

Fact Check: The description of Donald Trump's award is inaccurate

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MARYLAND - FEBRUARY 19: U.S. President Donald Trump talks to reporters on board Air Force One on February 19, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Trump is flying to Georgia to visit a steel company and speak on the economy. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) — President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One on February 19, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Trump is flying to Georgia to visit a steel company and speak on the economy (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The photo showing Trump is indeed real and was published by Getty Images on October 27, 1986. According to an official online archive of the Ellis Island Medals of Honor awardees, Trump and each of the other individuals pictured were granted the prize in the ceremony's inaugural year.

But over time, the explanation for Trump's recognition has been misrepresented on social media.

"Trump's recognition only reflected his business contributions and impact on New York City," Otto Coca, director of media communications for the Ellis Island Honors Society, told AFP in a February 18, 2026, email.

"Any suggestion that Mr Trump was honoured for helping underprivileged youth or anything to do with 'inner-city youth' is ridiculous."

The society, which gives the award, says on its website that the medal 'celebrates inspiring Americans who are selflessly working for the betterment of our country and its citizens.'

The image surfaced amid racist allegations against Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Dr. Ben Carson (C) and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner look on during a Black History Month reception in the East Room of the White House on February 18, 2026 in Washington DC. The president issued a proclamation recognizing Black History Month on Feb. 3. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) — President Donald Trump speaks as Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Dr Ben Carson and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner look on during a Black History Month reception in the East Room of the White House on February 18, 2026, in Washington DC (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

As Trump resumed his campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives after taking office, the image surfaced during Black History Month.

He also came under fire in early February for posting a video that depicted former First Lady Michelle Obama and former President Barack Obama as apes.

Numerous fact-checking organisations have refuted the same allegation regarding Trump's purported involvement with Black youth on numerous occasions over the years.