In a groundbreaking move that’s sending shockwaves through political and civil rights circles, the NAACP has decided to break with more than a century of tradition—116 years, to be exact—and not invite Donald Trump to its upcoming national convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. This bold decision marks the first time a sitting U.S. president has been excluded from the annual event, and the civil rights organization isn’t pulling any punches about why.
🔥 Key Takeaways You Shouldn’t Miss:
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First time in history the NAACP has not invited a sitting president.
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Trump's actions described as “fascist” and “un-American” by NAACP leadership.
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Convention theme: The Fierce Urgency of Now, signaling a pivotal moment in civil rights.
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Even Herbert Hoover got an invite—Trump joins rare company by being completely excluded.
Derrick Johnson, the NAACP's President and CEO, laid it out straight: this isn’t about partisanship—it’s about principles. “For 116 years, the NAACP has invited the sitting president of the United States to address the NAACP National Convention—regardless of their political party,” Johnson noted. “We’re nonpartisan and always welcome those who believe in democracy and the Constitution.”
That streak officially ends in 2025.
In his strongly worded statement, Johnson didn’t hold back, slamming Trump for using what he called a “fascist playbook” and accusing him of actively undermining American democracy. “Donald Trump is attacking our democracy and our civil rights,” he said. “He believes more in the fascist playbook than in the U.S. Constitution.”
According to Johnson, the decision wasn’t made lightly. But after a careful review of Trump’s actions—ranging from issuing “unconstitutional executive orders” to allegedly weaponizing the military against American communities—the organization felt it had no choice. “This administration does not respect the Constitution or the rule of law,” Johnson stated. “It would be a waste of our time and energy to give a platform to fascism, which would be unacceptable.”
🧠 A Look at the Bigger Picture
This isn’t the first time Donald Trump has skipped the NAACP’s conference. He never showed up during his first term in office—opting out in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Although he briefly planned to attend in 2019, he backed out once he realized the format involved a Q&A session instead of a traditional speech. That same year, NAACP delegates voted unanimously in favor of his impeachment.
Now, the message is louder and clearer than ever. The NAACP is not just frustrated—they’re taking a stand. And they're taking it in public.
🎤 The Tradition That’s Now Broken
Every U.S. president since the NAACP's founding in 1909 has received an invitation to speak at the national conference. The lineup has included leaders from both sides of the political aisle—Republicans and Democrats alike. From Truman and Eisenhower to Reagan, Bush, and Obama, the conference stage has historically been a place where presidents connect with one of the most enduring civil rights organizations in America.
But not this time.
The significance? Monumental.
Trump becomes the first president since Herbert Hoover in 1932 to be completely absent from the proceedings. And unlike Hoover, Trump has now been actively uninvited, rather than just declining to attend.
💬 White House Fires Back
Predictably, the Trump administration wasn’t thrilled about the decision. In response to the NAACP’s statement, a White House spokesperson pushed back, 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,” according to The Washington Post.
Still, critics argue that Trump’s actions since returning to power paint a very different picture. From controversial executive orders to rhetoric that many say emboldens hate groups, the former president’s behavior has been sharply scrutinized not just by the NAACP, but by a wide range of civil rights leaders.
🌎 Why This Convention Matters More Than Ever
Slated for July 12–16 in Charlotte, North Carolina, this year’s convention carries the urgent theme: “The Fierce Urgency of Now.” It’s a rallying cry for those who feel democracy is on the line, especially in the wake of increased racial tensions, voting rights rollbacks, and political division.
“Our annual convention is meant to be a safe space for all people—regardless of political ideology—who believe in multiracial democracy and the ideal of building a more perfect union,” Johnson emphasized.
He continued: “To that end, the NAACP has made the decision to break with tradition and not invite Donald Trump or J.D. Vance this year.”
That’s right—Trump isn’t the only one off the guest list. Senator J.D. Vance, one of Trump’s closest allies, also got the boot, further illustrating the NAACP’s unwillingness to tolerate what they view as a dangerous political agenda.
👥 A Place for the People
More than just a political forum, the NAACP National Convention is a place where activists, lawmakers, and community leaders from across the country gather to strategize and advocate for civil rights. It’s a mix of workshops, keynote addresses, networking, and grassroots organizing. It’s also historically been a bipartisan platform—until now.
“This isn’t about red vs. blue,” one senior NAACP official commented off the record. “This is about democracy vs. authoritarianism. You can’t invite someone to your house if they’re coming to tear it down.”
That sentiment reflects a growing tension in American politics, where certain figures are being called out not just for policy differences, but for what many see as a disregard for democratic norms and institutions.
📍Where We Go From Here
By publicly drawing this line in the sand, the NAACP has sent a loud message: civil rights and democracy are not up for negotiation. And they’re willing to disrupt more than a century of tradition to protect those values.
Whether that message resonates beyond the walls of the Charlotte Convention Center remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure—this year’s NAACP National Convention will be one of the most closely watched events of the summer.
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