For the first time in its 116-year history, the NAACP will not extend an invitation to a sitting U.S. president to attend its national convention. The organization announced its decision on June 16, stating that President Donald Trump’s actions in office are in direct opposition to the values of democracy and civil rights.
“Donald Trump is attacking our democracy and our civil rights. He believes more in the fascist playbook than in the U.S. Constitution,” the NAACP said in a strongly worded statement. “The president has signed unconstitutional executive orders to suppress voters and dismantle civil rights protections. He has illegally deployed the military against our communities and continues to undermine the pillars of democracy for personal gain.”
The organization’s decision comes amid growing concern about Trump’s second-term policies, particularly those perceived as targeting African Americans. The NAACP cited, among other things, Trump’s recent deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles in response to protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, which sparked fear among local residents.
In response, the White House issued a statement dismissing the NAACP’s criticism. “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,” said spokesperson Harrison Fields. “This is the same vision for America that a record number of Black Americans supported in the resounding reelection of President Trump.”
Since beginning his second term in January 2025, the Trump Administration has adopted a clear anti-diversity stance, frequently rolling back inclusion efforts and targeting programs aimed at equity. High-profile firings of Black leaders—such as General CQ Brown, former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Dr. Carla Hayden, the former Librarian of Congress—have drawn sharp criticism. In April, reports emerged that books addressing racism, civil rights, and Black history were removed from the U.S. Military Academy library at Annapolis, a move aligned with the administration’s rejection of “diversity” and “inclusion” initiatives.
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson emphasized the nonpartisan tradition of the organization and the historic precedent of presidential participation in the annual convention.
“For over a century, the NAACP has invited sitting presidents—Democrats and Republicans alike—from Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower to Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and others,” Johnson stated. “We remain open to all who respect democracy and the Constitution. This is not about partisanship—it is about principle.”
The NAACP National Convention remains one of the most significant annual gatherings of Black leaders, advocates, and policymakers in the United States. The decision to exclude President Trump underscores the organization’s deep concerns about the direction of national leadership and its continued commitment to civil rights, democratic integrity, and the Black community.
