NAACP Shuts Out Trump: First Time in 116 Years, Civil Rights Group Refuses to Invite Sitting President

June 17, 2025

For the first time in its 116-year history, the NAACP has decided not to invite the sitting president, Donald Trump, to its national convention taking place July 9-13. NAACP President Derrick Johnson emphasized this decision stems from Trump's attacks on civil rights rather than partisan politics, citing the organization's history of inviting both Republican and Democratic presidents despite policy disagreements. The decision follows Trump's controversial appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists' 2024 convention, where he made racially charged comments about Vice President Kamala Harris and immigrants.

Who is affected

The NAACP and its convention attendees
President Donald Trump and his administration
Black Americans and marginalized communities
Schools with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)

What action is being taken

The NAACP is not inviting President Trump to its national convention for the first time in its history
The NAACP is suing the Department of Education for withholding federal funds from schools maintaining DEI programs
The White House is responding with criticism of the NAACP's decision through spokesman Harrison Fields

Why it matters

This breaks a 116-year tradition of inviting sitting presidents to the NAACP's national convention
It represents a significant public stance by a major civil rights organization against a sitting president
The decision highlights tensions between the administration and civil rights advocates over policies affecting Black Americans
It follows Trump's controversial appearance at the NABJ convention where he made racially charged comments
Previous Republican presidents with civil rights disagreements were still invited, indicating the NAACP views Trump's actions as beyond normal policy differences

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer