President and CEO
NAACP
We are witnessing an unprecedented power grab by a president who wants to drag our country back to a time that was only great for some.
For months now, there’s been a steady stream of illegal executive orders that threaten our Constitution, our laws, and our founding values of equality and justice.
Disrupting the chaos of a wannabe dictator bent on breaking our democracy and our people is not just a Black issue. It’s a red, white, and blue issue.
Now is the time to work together to bring more people into the fight for our shared vision of what America can be — a nation where every person can thrive. Make a generous donation today and join the coalition of NAACP change makers >>
Federal courts have currently imposed holds on numerous significant abuses. However, the practices of dismantling federal agencies, dismissing civil servants without warning or justification, and cutting equity-related grants and contracts must not persist!
It’s clear that the survival of our civil and human rights depends on all of us uniting to protect and repair our democracy.
Now is the time to cross the false boundaries of race, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status and work together to bring more people into the fight for our shared vision of what America can be — a nation where every person can thrive.
Strengthening our network of activists and advocates is essential to growing our movement to not only push back against the White House but also build the people power that will drive progress in our state legislatures, city councils, and school boards.
NAACP is at the forefront of connecting and engaging with allies who believe in a more just and equitable America, and we need you to be a part of this work.
NAACP Condemns Senate Passage of Disastrous FY25 Budget
March 14, 2025
Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON – In a 54-46 vote, the United States Senate voted to approve a fiscal spending package that opens the door for extremist politicians to gut social safety net and decimate veterans benefits. The vote came as the NAACP, its members, and millions of constituents across the country rallied against the resolution, urging Congressional representatives to protect Americans’ best interests.
NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson, and NAACP Chief of Policy & Legislative Affairs, Patrice Willoughby, released the following joint statement in reaction:
“Today is a sad day for those who value the health and well-being of Americans, especially our seniors and veterans. Congressional members of both parties have shown us that they are willing to put our lives on the line for one man. Instead of putting the people first, they have chosen to lay the groundwork for the very unraveling of progress and perpetuation of greed. Americans don’t need another $5 trillion tax cut for corporations and the ultra wealthy. Americans need, and deserve, investments in quality, affordable healthcare for our children, seniors, and veterans. Americans need affordable pathways to higher education, safer schools, and communities.
While this resolution may have passed today, the NAACP refuses to stand idly by while those we care for are cast aside for the advancement of a wealthy few. We will continue to fight, both on the frontlines and behind the scenes. Anyone who voted to pass today’s resolution should remember that it is the people who put them in their seat, and we will hold them accountable if they fail to uphold the public interest.”
NAACP Condemns Mass Layoffs at the Department of Education”
March 12, 2025
Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON – Leadership at the Department of Education announced that they would cut the Department’s staff by more than 50%. The news comes as advocates, and educators have been awaiting the dismantling of the Department of Education as a whole, one of President Trump’s outspoken promises and a key pillar of Project 2025.
UPDATE Trump signed an executive action March 21, 2025 to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. Education Department cuts could hurt low-income and rural schools.
“Today, we take a very historic action that was 45 years in the making,” he said at a signing ceremony at the East Room of the White House. “I will sign an executive order to begin eliminating the federal Department of Education
NAACP leaders released the following statements reacting to today’s appalling news:
“Once again, Donald Trump is making clear that underrepresented and working class Americans are far from his priority,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “Trump is only concerned with taking taxpayer dollars away from government services and giving it to his billionaire friends. The latest unqualified billionaire he’s appointed has shown us that they are not here to serve the American people, they are here to serve Trump and carry out the imperatives in Project 2025. The decision to cut nearly half of the Department of Education’s workforce is reckless and dangerous for America’s children and the future of our nation. What we are witnessing is not only the dismantling of an agency, but the unraveling of our democracy.”
Patrice Willoughby, Chief of Policy and Legislative Affairs for the NAACP, added, “Throughout our 116 years of existence, the NAACP has fought to expand educational opportunities and access — from securing the landmark Brown v Board of Education victory in the Supreme Court, to leading the charge to cancel nearly $190 billion in student debt. Over the years, we’ve worked closely with the Department of Education to ensure that all children have access to quality education and have the opportunity to thrive. Congress, it’s time to act before it’s too late.”
To learn more about NAACP’s work to advance educational opportunity, visit our website.
ABOUT NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF – was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.
