Fact Check: NAACP excludes Trump from convention for the first time in 116 years!

Fact Check: NAACP Excludes Trump from Convention for the First Time in 116 Years

What We Know

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) announced that it will not invite President Donald Trump to its national convention scheduled for July 2025. This decision marks a significant departure from a 116-year tradition of inviting sitting U.S. presidents to address the convention, which serves as a major gathering for civil rights advocates and supporters (NPR, New York Times). NAACP President Derrick Johnson stated that the decision was driven by Trump's policies, which he claims undermine democracy and civil rights, including unconstitutional executive orders that oppress voters (NPR, New York Times).

Historically, the NAACP has welcomed both Democratic and Republican presidents to its conventions. Notable past speakers include Presidents Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush, who used the platform to address issues affecting the Black community (New York Times, Washington Post). Trump's exclusion is particularly notable as he has never attended the convention during his presidency, despite having received invitations in the past (NPR, Democracy Now).

Analysis

The claim that the NAACP has excluded Trump from its convention for the first time in 116 years is supported by multiple reputable sources. The NAACP's official announcement confirms this decision, highlighting the organization's historical practice of inviting sitting presidents (NAACP). The context provided by various news outlets illustrates the growing tension between the NAACP and the Trump administration, particularly regarding civil rights issues and policies that the NAACP has actively opposed (New York Times, Washington Post).

The sources used in this fact-check are credible and include established news organizations like NPR, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, which have a long-standing reputation for journalistic integrity. The NAACP's own press release further substantiates the claim, as it directly states the organization's rationale for not inviting Trump (NAACP).

While the White House responded to the NAACP's decision by accusing the organization of promoting division, this response does not negate the factual basis of the NAACP's announcement (NPR). The historical context provided by the sources reinforces the significance of this decision, as it breaks a long-standing tradition that has included presidents from both major political parties.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the NAACP has excluded Trump from its convention for the first time in 116 years is accurate. The organization's decision is well-documented and supported by credible sources, including its own official statements. This marks a notable shift in the relationship between the NAACP and the Trump administration, reflecting broader tensions regarding civil rights and governance.