The NAACP has announced that President Trump will not be invited to their upcoming national convention in Charlotte, marking the first time in 116 years that a sitting president will not participate. NAACP President Derrick Johnson made this statement during a press conference ahead of the convention, which is set to take place next month at Charlotte’s Convention Center and is expected to attract thousands of attendees.
While the convention is open to all political parties and aims to include a diverse audience, Johnson highlighted that President Trump’s presence contradicts the theme for this year’s event: “The Fierce Urgency of Now.” He emphasized that the focus of the convention is on fighting for democracy and civil rights, expressing concerns over actions taken by Trump that he believes undermine these principles.
In contrast, former President Joe Biden addressed attendees at last year’s NAACP convention held in Las Vegas. Trump was invited to that event but chose not to attend, a pattern that continued throughout his presidency.
As the convention approaches, the NAACP aims to rally support for its agenda, underscoring the urgent need for action in defending civil rights and democracy. The decision regarding Trump’s invitation aligns with the organization’s commitment to maintaining a focus on its mission and core values, hoping to inspire collective action toward positive change.