The NAACP has announced its decision not to invite President Trump to its upcoming national convention, marking a significant departure from its 116-year tradition of welcoming sitting U.S. presidents. NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson stated that the organization is breaking this tradition due to Trump’s actions, which they believe undermine democracy and civil rights. Johnson highlighted Trump’s executive orders that are seen as oppressive and unconstitutional, leading to the president’s exclusion from the event.

In response, the White House criticized the NAACP, accusing the organization of promoting hate and division while emphasizing Trump’s efforts to unite the country, improve the economy, and enhance national security. The NAACP has historically welcomed both Democratic and Republican presidents to address its convention, serving as a platform for leaders to engage with the Black community and address issues of racism and discrimination.

The NAACP’s decision comes in the context of ongoing legal battles between the organization and the Trump administration over policies that the NAACP argues are detrimental to achieving equity, political rights, and social inclusion for Black Americans and people of color. These conflicts include efforts to cut funding for diversity programs in schools, dismantle the Department of Education, and remove DEI initiatives in various sectors. The NAACP’s stance reflects its commitment to challenging actions that it perceives as conflicting with its core mission of advancing civil rights and equality.