In historic first, US civil rights group will not invite Trump to convention
US President Donald Trump has been accused of undermining American democracy by the 116-year-old NAACP civil rights organisation. PHOTO: NYTIMES
In historic first, US civil rights group will not invite Trump to convention
WASHINGTON - The NAACP said it will not invite Donald Trump to its annual convention in July, the first time the 116-year-old civil rights organisation has not asked a sitting US president to attend its convention.
Mr Derrick Johnson, president of the nonpartisan National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, accused the Republican president of working against the group's mission.
'This has nothing to do with political party,' Mr Johnson said in a statement on June 16. 'Our mission is to advance civil rights, and the current president has made clear that his mission is to eliminate civil rights.'
Mr Johnson said Mr Trump has undermined American democracy by trying to consolidate power, has signed unconstitutional executive orders that oppress and undo federal civil rights protections and has turned the US military against communities.
'The president is focused on uniting our country, improving our economy, securing our borders, and establishing peace across the globe,' White House deputy press secretary Harrison Fields said in a statement.
The NAACP has invited presidents from both Republican and Democratic parties since 1946, when it welcomed Democratic President Harry Truman, it said.
'But right now, it's clear – Donald Trump is attacking our democracy and our civil rights. He believes more in the fascist playbook than in the US Constitution. This playbook is radical and un-American,' Mr Johnson said.
The NAACP said it also will not invite Vice-President J.D. Vance to its national convention July 12-16 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The civil rights group has filed several lawsuits against the Trump administration over diversity, equity and inclusion programmes and voting rights. REUTERS
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