NAACP Calls Out Trump’s Distraction Tactics
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2025
Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON — In response to the Trump administration's recent escalation of military conflict with Iran, mass raids and arrests of immigrants, and the roll-out of an exorbitant military parade — all while attempting to push through a deeply harmful domestic policy bill — NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson issued the following statement:
"President Trump is not governing, he's gaslighting. The chaos and calamity we've witnessed over the last several weeks are not incidental. It is coordinated.
"From stirring up conflict in Iran to unlawfully deploying the National Guard in California, from the inhumane mass immigrant arrests to a taxpayer-funded military parade and the continued attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion, this president is seeking to distract from the real issue: the passage of one of the worst budgets we've ever seen. One that would lay siege to working families.
"This so-called 'Big Beautiful Bill' is anything but. Right now, lawmakers are debating a sweeping piece of legislation that aims to rewrite the role of government. They want to disrupt how our taxpayer dollars are used; not to serve the many as it was intended, but to enrich the already wealthy few. This garbage bill strips resources from those most in need, guts protections for vulnerable communities, and hands power to corporate interests in the name of government reform.
"The American people deserve the truth, not these divisive theatrics. War must never be used as a tool to obfuscate legislative harm. Lives are at stake, both home and abroad.
"Congress must immediately initiate oversight proceedings and demand a full accounting of U.S. interests, actions, and intent in Iran. The NAACP will continue to call out these authoritarian tactics as a smokescreen to disenfranchise the American people through legislation. This is not leadership, this is a crisis of democracy, and we will not tolerate it."
# # #
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.