NAACP Breaks Tradition by Not Inviting President Trump to Convention
The NAACP, a leading civil rights organization, has decided not to extend an invitation to President Trump for its upcoming national convention in July. This decision marks a significant departure from the NAACP’s longstanding tradition of inviting sitting U.S. presidents to the annual event, which serves as a gathering for NAACP supporters nationwide.
This is the first time in its 116-year history that the organization has chosen not to invite a sitting president. NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson announced the decision during a press conference in Charlotte, N.C., where the convention is set to take place. In a statement, Johnson criticized President Trump, stating, “Donald Trump is attacking our democracy and our civil rights … The president has signed unconstitutional executive orders to oppress voters and undo federal civil rights protections.”
The White House responded on Tuesday, noting Trump’s exclusion from the event. Previously, Trump had declined invitations to the convention during his first term. White House spokesperson Harrison Fields issued a statement saying, “The NAACP isn’t advancing anything but hate and division, while the President is focused on uniting our country, improving our economy, securing our borders, and establishing peace across the globe.”
Historically, the NAACP has extended invitations to presidents from both major political parties. Past presidents, such as Ronald Reagan in 1981 and George W. Bush in 2006, have addressed the convention. These speeches have often focused on strengthening ties with the Black community and addressing issues like racism and discrimination.
The NAACP has filed several civil rights lawsuits against the Trump administration, challenging actions such as efforts to cut federal funding to schools that use diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.
The Trump administration has implemented changes that the NAACP claims are contrary to its mission of equity and inclusion. These changes include eliminating DEI programs in higher education and the federal government, removing Black historical figures from government websites, and restoring the original names of military bases that honored white supremacists.
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