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• For the first time in 116 years, the NAACP has not invited a sitting U.S. president to its national convention.
• President Trump is excluded due to his administration’s actions against civil rights and democracy.
• The decision marks a significant break from the NAACP’s tradition of inviting presidents regardless of policy disagreements.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

The NAACP announced on June 17, 2025, that it will not invite President Trump to its national convention, a decision that breaks a 116-year tradition. This move is attributed to President Trump’s actions, which the NAACP believes are detrimental to civil rights and democracy.

Core Players

• President Trump – President of the United States
• Derrick Johnson – President of the NAACP
• NAACP – National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
• JD Vance – Vice President of the United States (also not invited)

Key Numbers

• 116 years – The duration of the NAACP’s tradition of inviting sitting presidents to its convention.
• July 12-16, 2025 – Dates of the NAACP national convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.
• Multiple lawsuits – Filed by the NAACP against the Trump administration over civil rights issues.

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

“Our mission is to advance civil rights, and President Trump has made clear that his mission is to eliminate civil rights,” said Derrick Johnson, President of the NAACP. This statement underscores the core reason for the NAACP’s decision.

The NAACP has historically invited presidents from both Republican and Democratic parties, including President George W. Bush in 2006, despite significant policy disagreements.

Inside Forces

The NAACP’s decision is driven by its perception of President Trump’s administration as a threat to civil rights and democracy. The organization has filed several lawsuits against the Trump administration, including one against the Department of Education for withholding federal funds from schools that maintain diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Johnson emphasized that this decision is not about political party but about the fundamental mission of the NAACP.

Power Dynamics

The relationship between the NAACP and the Trump administration has been contentious. The NAACP has accused President Trump of undermining democracy and civil rights through various actions, including signing unconstitutional executive orders and using the military against communities.

This break in tradition highlights the significant ideological and policy differences between the NAACP and the current administration.

Outside Impact

The decision has broader implications for the political landscape and civil rights advocacy. It reflects a growing divide between organizations committed to civil rights and the current administration’s policies.

The move may also influence other civil rights groups and their interactions with the government.

Future Forces

The NAACP’s convention, scheduled for July 12-16, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina, will proceed without the presence of President Trump or Vice President JD Vance. This event will likely focus on strategies to counter the perceived erosion of civil rights and democracy.

Future interactions between the NAACP and the Trump administration are expected to remain tense, with the NAACP continuing to challenge policies it deems harmful to its mission.

Data Points

• 1947: President Harry Truman became the first president to attend the NAACP’s national convention.
• 2006: President George W. Bush addressed the NAACP convention despite criticism over his administration’s handling of Hurricane Katrina.
• April 2025: The NAACP sued the Department of Education over withholding federal funds for schools with diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
• July 12-16, 2025: Dates of the NAACP national convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.