Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP, recently called President Trump a racist and expressed uncertainty toward the White House’s commitment to diversity, Politico reported on Friday.
“He’s demonstrated, both in words and deeds and in policy implementations, racist tendencies. Therefore, I have no other conclusion but to say he is a racist,” Mr. Johnson told Politico.
In a videotaped interview, Mr. Johnson emphasized that the term racist should not be used lightly, but Mr. Trump’s actions in office merited it. He specifically referenced the president calling some nations “s—-hole countries” in January.
Mr. Johnson also cited Mr. Trump’s efforts to consistently undo former President Barack Obama’s policies, as well as the Obama birther theories he touted during the 2016 presidential election.
“I think, unfortunately, we are now looking at an individual in the White House serving the role as the president who’s not only made racist comments, but he’s sought and implemented racists policies,” Mr. Johnson said.
Despite his strong criticism, Mr. Johnson said the NAACP would welcome Mr. Trump as they have with other Republican and Democratic presidents alike. However, the president hasn’t accepted any of their invitations.
“We respect the office even though we don’t always agree with the messages that’s currently coming from that office,” he said.
Mr. Johnson argued Mr. Trump hasn’t engaged with any African-American organization or any other minority community “outside of seeking basic photo opportunities.”
“I don’t know if this White House has any real interest in expanding its reach outside of a small set of individuals who all look alike,” Mr. Johnson said.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.
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