For the first time in its 116-year history, the NAACP has decided not to invite a sitting president to its national convention. The civil rights organization announced Monday that Donald Trump will not be welcome at its upcoming convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.
NAACP President Derrick Johnson explained the decision during a press conference, stating, “This has nothing to do with political party. Our mission is to advance civil rights, and the current president has made clear that his mission is to eliminate civil rights.”
A request for comment from the White House was not immediately answered.
The organization pointed to a series of lawsuits it has filed against Trump’s administration, including one in April challenging the Department of Education’s efforts to cut funding from schools that refused to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The NAACP contends these moves interfere with lawful attempts to ensure Black students have equal educational opportunities.
“There is a rich history of both Republicans and Democrats attending our convention,” the NAACP said in a statement, recalling that President Harry Truman was the first to do so in 1947.
Even presidents who faced sharp criticism from the organization have still been invited. George W. Bush addressed the convention in 2006 following backlash over Hurricane Katrina, and Ronald Reagan spoke in 1981 despite criticism of racially charged campaign language. During that speech, Reagan denounced white supremacist groups and pledged federal action against civil rights violations.
This year marks a stark departure from that tradition.
