State of the Black Union

The Current State of Black America

In the first year of Donald Trump's second term as President of the United States, Black people continue to be subjected to the policies that are making Americans sicker, poorer, less safe, and less powerful, while dismantling the very systems designed to protect them. 

In the 250th anniversary of the American Experiment this year, Trump is actively working to dismantle the policies and freedoms this country was built on. 

This policy violence has become the hallmark of this Administration, proving to all Americans that cruelty is the point. The spirit of Black Americans is strong and will never be broken. But the state of Black America is in jeopardy, thanks in no small part to President Trump. 

Watch the 2026 State of the Union address with us

Trump is Making America Sicker 

The administration's attacks on healthcare access are making America sicker, especially Black communities. Failure to extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits would result in 170,000+ Black adults would lose health care coverage across 10 major metro areas. Cuts to and refusing to expand Medicaid are forcing families to choose between necessities and medical care. Rural hospitals are closing, maternity care deserts are expanding, and Black women — particularly in the South — are bearing the brunt of restrictive reproductive health policies. At the same time, deep cuts to the CDC, NIH, and public health infrastructure are weakening disease tracking, breaking down vaccine programs, and weakening medical science. We're fighting back through state-level advocacy and national initiatives like ACE Your Health, which addresses health inequities and healthcare AI governance.

Trump is Burning the Country

The administration is accelerating fossil fuel expansion and fast-tracking dirty data centers into Black and frontline communities while gutting agencies like the EPA, FEMA, and NOAA. The result: higher utility bills across the country, worse air quality, greater exposure to floods and fires, and fewer federal tools to respond to disasters. Black communities are paying more while breathing more pollution. We're fighting dirty data centers, organizing, and building tools like Power in the Storm, helping communities prepare for disasters and hold polluters accountable.

Trump is Breaking the Economy

Trump's economy is straining Black families. Black unemployment rate is at 7.2%. High inflation, rising housing and food costs, mass layoffs, stagnant wages, and crushing student debt are eroding economic security — especially for the 300,000+ Black women who've lost their jobs. Rollbacks of fair-housing, consumer protection, and DEI policies are reversing hard-won gains. In response, we launched the Black Consumer Advisory to leverage $1.7 trillion in Black buying power and are supporting workers through job fairs and economic advocacy.

Trump is Attacking Democracy

Trump is actively working to block the ballot box through gerrymandering, proof-of-citizenship barriers, attacks on vote-by-mail, and voter intimidation. He's even attacking Black history as we're celebrating the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.  As the 2026 midterms approach, the NAACP is investing heavily in data-driven voter engagement, litigation, and grassroots organizing to protect Black political power.

Bottom Line

Across health, climate, the economy, and democracy, Black Americans are being forced to absorb the costs of an administration that prioritizes cruelty and corporate interests. But we can fight back. Voting is your sword and shield. Use your vote to defend yourself and your loved ones. 

Check your registration to ensure you haven't been purged and make a plan now to vote early, by mail, or in person with the right ID. Protect your circle by helping family, friends, and neighbors do the same. Report voter intimidation, misinformation, or barriers at the polls to NAACP. You can also join the NAACP as a Champion for Change or as a Volunteer.