Longtime ESPN host Stephen A. Smith publicly criticized the NAACP for breaking with its 116-year tradition by refusing to invite President Donald Trump to its national convention. Speaking on The Stephen A. Smith Show, Smith emphasized that although he does not support Trump, completely ignoring him is counterproductive. He argued that Trump’s political dominance within the GOP since 2015 cannot be overlooked and questioned how the NAACP’s mission benefits from excluding such a prominent figure. Smith challenged whether Trump is truly the most offensive president in over a century and warned that refusing to engage opposing voices could ultimately undermine the progress the NAACP seeks for marginalized communities.

In response, NAACP President Derrick Johnson defended the decision, asserting that Trump’s record—including what he described as unconstitutional executive actions, military deployments against civilians, and the erosion of civil rights—runs directly counter to the organization’s core values. Johnson maintained that while the NAACP remains nonpartisan and welcomes dialogue, its convention must serve as a safe space for those advocating for democracy and equality. He labeled Trump’s behavior as “radical and un-American,” arguing that providing him a platform would legitimize dangerous ideologies. Johnson also confirmed that Vice President JD Vance would not be invited either, citing the broader administration’s disregard for democratic norms. The debate underscores a larger tension between maintaining ideological integrity and engaging strategically with political opponents.