Earlier this month, President Trump sparked controversy by claiming that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 had caused white people to be “very badly treated.” These remarks were widely criticized as a distortion of history.
Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and CEO of the King Center, responded firmly during her speech for MLK Day Service:
“Let’s tell the truth. President Trump’s claim that the 1964 Civil Rights Act caused harm to white people is a false narrative that distorts history and obscures reality.”
King emphasized that civil-rights laws were never meant to harm anyone—they were designed to ensure justice, equality, and opportunity for all. She highlighted that these protections continue to safeguard everyone, regardless of race, against discrimination.
Her response is part of a broader warning about attempts to rewrite history or roll back civil-rights gains. King insists the fight against racism, poverty, and injustice is ongoing, and understanding history accurately is essential for a fair society.
Civil rights expand justice—they don’t diminish it.
