NAACP Reacts to Guilty Verdict in Trump Criminal Fraud Case, Calls for Removal of Candidacy for President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 30, 2024

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org 

WASHINGTON — This evening, a 12-person jury in Manhattan found former president Donald Trump guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal alleged affairs during his 2016 campaign. The conviction comes amidst three ongoing cases against the current Republican presidential candidate.

Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO shared the following statement:

"Today is a monumental step toward justice for the American people. Whether it's an attempt to steal an election or overthrow our government, one thing has long been apparent - Donald Trump is unfit to represent American democracy. The NAACP strongly believes that anyone who has been found guilty of criminal offenses of this magnitude is unfit to occupy the Oval Office. As Black Americans have been denied basic human rights due to less offensive crimes, any attempt to advance Donald Trump's nomination for Presidency would be a gross advancement of white supremacist policy."

The NAACP was the first to file a lawsuit against Donald Trump following the January 6th insurrection, and remains an outspoken critic of his inherently fascist policies and rhetoric. 

###

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.