• The NAACP will not invite President Trump to its annual convention in July, breaking 116 years of tradition.
• NAACP President Derrick Johnson accused Trump of undermining civil rights and democracy.
• This decision marks the first time the organization has excluded a sitting president from its convention.

The NAACP announced on June 16 that it will not invite President Donald Trump to its upcoming national convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, a significant departure from its 116-year history of inviting the sitting president. NAACP President Derrick Johnson made this announcement at a press conference, asserting, "This has nothing to do with political party... our mission is to advance civil rights," while accusing Trump of working against these goals. This makes Trump the first president to be excluded from the convention, which has historically welcomed presidents of both major parties Newsweek, Le Monde, and Reuters.

During the announcement, Johnson emphasized that Trump's actions demonstrate a systematic assault on civil rights, stating, "The president has signed unconstitutional executive orders to oppress voters and undo federal civil rights protections." He described Trump's approach as utilizing a "fascist playbook" that opposes the principles of democracy and civil liberties The Hill and NPR.

NAACP officials highlighted that their decision reflects a long-standing tradition of providing a platform for all presidents, regardless of ideological differences. Previous presidents, including George W. Bush, have spoken at the convention despite facing criticism, illustrating a commitment to fostering dialogue Newsweek and Reuters.

Moreover, the NAACP's decision has been framed in the context of legal challenges the organization is pursuing against the Trump administration over policies perceived as undermining diversity and equity initiatives. The organization asserts that Trump's executive orders threaten equal opportunities for Black students and other marginalized groups Le Monde and NPR.