Washington, February 3 (RHC)-- U.S. President Donald Trump is facing criticism after he appeared to suggest that the great abolitionist and writer Frederick Douglass, who was born into slavery around 1818 and died in 1895, is still, in fact, alive. 

Speaking at a Black History Month event earlier this week, Trump said: "I am very proud now that we have a museum on the National Mall where people can learn about Reverend King, so many other things.  Frederick Douglass is an example of somebody who’s done an amazing job and is being recognized more and more, I notice." 

Following the statement, reporters asked White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer about Trump’s comments.  Spicer said that the U.S. president wanted to highlight the contributions of Frederick Douglas and those that he will make the future -- failing to note that Douglas died an old man nearly 122 years ago. 

Several political observers on Capitol Hill noted that both Trump and his press secretary should bone up on their Black history before opening their mouths.