Trump jokes about ‘never recovering from a fall,’ says he learned it from his ‘predecessor’ Biden

Donald Trump joked with Ben Carson that even the greatest speech fails after a fall, citing his predecessor and drawing laughter
UPDATED FEB 19, 2026
President Donald Trump joked with Ben Carson at a Black History Month event while honoring him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom (Getty Images)
President Donald Trump joked with Ben Carson at a Black History Month event while honoring him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump shared a lighthearted moment with Dr Ben Carson at a recent Black History Month event, offering both praise and a jocular warning about staying upright while delivering speeches.

The exchange took place during a broader ceremony in which Trump honored Carson with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his public service and professional achievements.

Trump jokes about fall at event

Trump’s remarks were delivered with a smile and a tone that signaled camaraderie. As he addressed Carson directly, he recalled a lesson he said he learned from “my predecessor,” referring to the previous president, whose public stumbles became widely noted.



“You can make the greatest speech ever, but if you fall, my predecessor taught me that,” Trump said, prompting laughter from those gathered. His quip underscored the informal, conversational tone of the event.

President Jo Biden trips while boarding Air Force 1 (YouTube/The Telegraph)
Former President Joe Biden trips while boarding Air Force 1 (YouTube/The Telegraph)

“You be careful; don't fall, Ben. If you fall, that's the end.” “It's never, you can never recover from a fall. You know, if you make, you can make the greatest speech ever, but if you fall, my predecessor taught me that.”

Trump highlights support at Black History Month event

President Donald Trump sought to highlight his support among Black Americans during a White House Black History Month reception on Wednesday, bringing prominent figures on stage and announcing plans to award former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 11:  Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump shakes hands with former
 President Donald Trump shakes hands with Dr Ben Carson (Getty Images)

“Ben's getting the Presidential Medal of Freedom. That's the biggest. That's the biggest. It's the highest award you can have outside of the Congressional Medal of Honor,” Trump told attendees, adding with characteristic hyperbole, “but it's better because, you know, a lot of people get the Congressional Medal of Honor."

U.S. President Donald Trump and former United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson attend the American Cornerstone Institute Founders' Dinner on September 20, 2025 in Mount Vernon, Virginia. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump and former United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson attend the American Cornerstone Institute Founders' Dinner in Mount Vernon, Virginia (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Carson, a renowned neurosurgeon and former Republican presidential candidate, has remained a prominent supporter of Trump’s policies and vision. The president also appeared to test support for potential National Guard deployment to Atlanta, Georgia, describing the need for federal assistance to address crime in the Democratic-led city.

“You need help in Atlanta,” Trump told the crowd, drawing a raucous response from East Room attendees. “I'll tell you what. You ought to get them to call me. We could take care of Atlanta so fast.” 

Leo Terrell leaves the stage after speaking alongside U.S. President Donald Trump and golf legend Tiger Woods during a reception honoring Black History Month in the East Room of the White House on February 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Black History Month celebration comes as Trump has signed a series of executive orders ending federal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and cutting funding to schools and Universities that do not cut DEI programs. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Leo Terrell leaves the stage after speaking alongside US President Donald Trump and golf legend Tiger Woods during a reception honoring Black History Month in the East Room of the White House on February 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Black History Month celebration comes as Trump has signed a series of executive orders ending federal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and cutting funding to schools and Universities that do not cut DEI programs (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The reception carried an unmistakable political dimension, arriving just over eight months before the midterm elections, which historically punish the party in power. Republicans currently control Congress, and Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration with the well-documented pattern of midterm losses for sitting presidents.

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