Stephen A's Take: Stephen A focuses on two major topics involving the NAACP with Elon Musk and President Trump.

Summary

The Stephen A. Smith Show: In-Depth Analysis of NAACP's Stance on President Trump and Elon Musk’s XAI

Release Date: June 21, 2025

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Introduction

In the June 21, 2025 episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves into two pivotal issues involving the NAACP: the organization’s unprecedented decision to exclude President Donald Trump from their upcoming national convention and their legal actions against Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, XAI, over environmental concerns in Memphis. This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the NAACP’s strategies, the implications of their decisions, and the broader societal impacts.

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1. NAACP's Decision to Exclude President Donald Trump

Timestamp: 01:13 - 08:56

The episode opens with significant news about the NAACP’s groundbreaking decision to bar President Donald Trump from attending their national convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. This marks the first instance in the 116-year history of the NAACP where a sitting president has been excluded from their convention. NAACP President Derrick Johnson made this announcement during a press conference, citing Trump’s actions as antithetical to the organization’s mission.

Derrick Johnson’s Rationale:

"[...] Our mission is to advance civil rights and the current president has made clear that his mission is to eliminate civil rights." (01:54)

Johnson further elaborated by highlighting the administration’s policies, particularly targeting DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs, which the NAACP argues undermine efforts to provide equal opportunities for Black students.

Stephen A. Smith’s Counterpoint: Smith challenges the NAACP’s decision, expressing respect for Johnson but disagreeing with the exclusion strategy. He raises critical questions about the effectiveness of ostracizing Trump, the most influential figure in the GOP since 2015, and whether this tactic truly serves the NAACP’s objectives.

"Why not let the 47th president of the United States come and address the NAACP convention?" (03:25)

Smith emphasizes the importance of dialogue, suggesting that allowing Trump to speak directly to the NAACP’s audience could provide clarity on his policies and their impacts.

Key Points Discussed:

• The historical significance of excluding a sitting president.
• The debate over DEI programs and their perceived beneficiaries.
• The potential repercussions of alienating a major political figure on the NAACP’s influence and effectiveness.
• Smith’s argument that ignoring Trump’s actions does not negate their impact, especially given Trump’s ongoing political relevance until at least 2028.

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2. NAACP’s Legal Action Against Elon Musk’s XAI in Memphis

Timestamp: 09:00 - 14:08

Shifting focus, Smith and his commentator examine the NAACP’s collaboration with the Southern Environmental Law Center to sue Elon Musk’s AI company, XAI. The lawsuit targets the supercomputer facility located in South Memphis, a predominantly Black and impoverished neighborhood. The primary concern revolves around air pollution caused by gas turbines used to power the data center.

Details of the Controversy:

• XAI’s Operations: The facility began operations last year, utilizing pollution-emitting gas turbines without securing the necessary permits.
• Legal Grounds: The Southern Environmental Law Center asserts that there is no exemption allowing XAI to operate turbines for up to 364 days without a permit, citing violations of the Clean Air Act.
• Health Implications: Residents near the facility are reportedly facing cancer risks four times higher than the national average, a factor that the NAACP emphasizes as critical.

Economic vs. Environmental Impact: Smith acknowledges the economic benefits XAI brings to Memphis, including significant investments and job creation. However, he underscores the paramount importance of public health, questioning the trade-off between economic growth and the well-being of the community.

"But air pollution, risk of cancer four times greater than it normally is? What good is everything I mentioned if you’re dead?" (12:45)

Mayor Paul Young’s Stance: Mayor Young has committed to ensuring that at least 25% of the revenue generated by XAI is allocated to residents within a five-mile radius of the plant, aiming to balance economic benefits with community support.

Stephen A. Smith’s Perspective: While recognizing the necessity of economic development, Smith argues that the health risks imposed by the facility cannot be overlooked. He emphasizes the moral responsibility to protect vulnerable communities from environmental hazards.

"We can't have that. We can't have that. So the NAACP, according to law, is obligated. If you're going to file this lawsuit, you got to give them 60 days notice." (13:30)

Key Points Discussed:

• The legality of XAI’s operations in Memphis and potential violations of the Clean Air Act.
• The disproportionate health risks faced by the Black community in South Memphis.
• The economic benefits versus the environmental and health costs.
• The importance of holding corporations accountable to ensure that economic advancements do not come at the expense of public health.

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Conclusion

Stephen A. Smith concludes the episode by balancing his disagreement with the NAACP’s decision to exclude President Trump with his approval of their actions against Elon Musk’s XAI. He stresses the necessity of maintaining a vigilant stance on issues that disproportionately affect marginalized communities, advocating for accountability and transparency in both political and corporate actions.

"While I disagreed with the NAACP's position about inviting Trump to their convention to speak, I applaud the NAACP for bringing attention to this by announcing that they're gonna file this lawsuit to get this matter addressed." (14:08)

Smith’s discourse encourages listeners to critically evaluate the strategies employed by influential organizations like the NAACP and underscores the broader implications of their decisions on society, politics, and the environment.

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Notable Quotes

1. Derrick Johnson: "Our mission is to advance civil rights and the current president has made clear that his mission is to eliminate civil rights." (01:54)
2. Stephen A. Smith: "Why not let the 47th president of the United States come and address the NAACP convention?" (03:25)
3. Stephen A. Smith: "What good is everything I mentioned if you’re dead?" (12:45)
4. Stephen A. Smith: "While I disagreed with the NAACP's position about inviting Trump to their convention to speak, I applaud the NAACP for bringing attention to this by announcing that they're gonna file this lawsuit to get this matter addressed." (14:08)

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Final Thoughts

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers a nuanced examination of the NAACP’s recent actions, presenting multiple perspectives on the intersection of civil rights, political strategies, and environmental justice. Smith’s balanced approach invites listeners to engage thoughtfully with complex societal issues, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, accountability, and the protection of underserved communities.

Transcript

[Host]

This is an iHeart podcast.

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[Commentator]

Now let's get to the NAACP and two headlines linked to the civil rights organization. The first involves President Donald Trump. The organization announced they will not invite the president to their national convention next month in Charlotte, North Carolina. This would mark the first time the NAACP has opted to exclude a sitting president in its 116 year history.

[Host]

NAACP president Derrick Johnson announced the move.

[Commentator]

During a press conference accusing Trump of working against its mission. Here's a portion of what Johnson had to say.

[Host]

Quote this has nothing to do with political party.

[Commentator]

Our mission is to advance civil rights and the current president has made clear that his mission is to eliminate civil rights, end quote. The NAACP has filed multiple lawsuits against Trump in the last few months, including suing to stop the Department of Education from withholding federal money for schools that did not end DEI programs, arguing the department was prohibiting legal efforts to provide equal opportunity to black students. First things first, respect to Derrick Johnston. Derrick Johnson, I understand where you're coming from. I just don't agree. Respectfully, I don't agree that this was the right decision to make. Number one, let's stop associating DEI with black people. When you talk about diversity, equity and inclusion. We all know that the biggest beneficiaries of DEI has been white women, and we all know that folks associate DEI with individuals who weren't qualified but were just giving an opportunity so a place could be diverse. And that's not what I would classify us as. And I'm certainly, I'm certain that you wouldn't either, Mr. Johnson. So that's number one. Number two, here's where my reticence really, really comes in. Why not let the 47th president of the United States come and address the NAACP convention? Why not give Donald Trump a chance.

[Host]

To sit before your audience, your constituents, and explain exactly what he's doing and why? Why not let him do that? Why not let him stand before the very people whose lives he's purported to have had a profound effect upon with some of his decisions and let him explain what is it that he's doing and why? When we talk about the Department of Education again, we all understand that our students need all the help that we.

[Commentator]

Can get, especially in the public schools. There's no question about that. Federal funding is essential, and we understand that.

[Host]

But at some point in time, don't we have an obligation to look at.

[Commentator]

Exactly what the Education Department has done and whether or not it has served to benefit our community, as in the black community, along with various communities throughout the country, throughout this country, the United States of America?

[Host]

Do we just write a check and automatically give it to people, taxpayer dollars to people, without deciphering how well they do their jobs? Are we not allowed to probe and look at them and to say, what exactly are you doing with the American dollars, with the taxpayer dollars from the American citizens? I don't know the answer. I'm not proclaiming to know the answer. I'm simply saying I want to hear. If the President is taking this strong position and he's campaigned on eradicating the Department of Education for years, why does he feel that way? What evidence does he have to validate his assertions? And if indeed there is profound evidence.

[Commentator]

To support such a position, which.

[Host]

Who are those that are supporting it? We need to ask those questions. And I think that standing before members of the NAACP at your very own convention, I think that that would serve well to invite him and let him come before you all and try to explain what he's doing so you'll have him on the record, not just sound bites that airs on CNN or MSNBC or FOX News or abc, cbs, NBC or whatever. No, let him sit before you and explain and defend his position. Most importantly.

[Commentator]

You could try to ignore the President of the United States States, but you know what can't be ignored? His actions.

[Host]

Until 2028.

[Commentator]

Mr. Derrick Johnson. He's not going away.

[Host]

He's not going away. By the way, the NAACP did sue him and remember, did sue him with.

[Commentator]

A civil suit, successfully I might add.

[Host]

As it pertained to the insurrection.

[Commentator]

In.

[Host]

2021 on January 6th.

[Commentator]

Did that stop him from becoming president again?

[Host]

He's been sued, he's been convicted, 34 felony counts. Whatever. Did it send him to jail? Didn't he still run for reelection? Didn't he still skate right through the gop? Didn't he win the popular vote and the electoral college vote and every swing state? You don't get to ignore him is my point. He has been the most powerful, the most influential member of the GOP since 2015. How does you refusing to invite him, ostracizing him, not wanting to hear what he has to say to you all, how does that help you? How? I'm not saying agree with him. I'm not saying side with him. I'm not saying befriend him. I'm not saying any of those things. But ignoring him ain't gonna get it done. None of you truly want to be about the business of helping folks, particularly the desolate and disenfranchised in our country, the urban communities throughout America. Not that that's all the NAACP does, because I'm certainly not implying that. All I'm saying is that clearly is who you're interested in helping, ignoring him.

[Commentator]

And not even inviting him to come and speak at your convention. What's that going to accomplish?

[Host]

For the first time in a 116 year history.

[Commentator]

You'Re not inviting a president. Are you trying to tell me that there's no president.

[Host]

That has been as offensive to the NAACP as Donald Trump in 116 years?

[Commentator]

Are you really making that argument.

[Host]

That no matter what you think about Donald Trump, that's the only person, that's the only president of the United States that you've been able to say that about in a 116 year history of the NAACP. 116 years. Doing the math, that goes back to 1909. Since 1909, there's no president that has ever been.

[Commentator]

More offensive to the NAACP than Donald Trump. Is that your argument? Let's say for the sake of argument that it is for the moment. Other than the progressive left, who's going to definitively agree with your position? You might have folks out there that want to contribute to the causes of the NAACP that are center left and center right. They may not agree with Donald Trump either, but they recognize the importance of being Able to work with the President of the United States. Just think about it. I don't think this is the right move. If all of us had to like the people we had to deal with and do business with, how would business ever get done in this country, if not this world? It's a rhetorical question. Mr. Derek Johnson, I know you know the answer. Let me move on to a second headline involving the naacp. And this is pertaining to Elon Musk. In the city of Memphis, the naacp, along with the Southern Environmental Law center, said they intend to sue Elon Musk artificial intelligence company called xai. They have major concerns about air pollution generated by a supercomputer facility located near predominantly black communities in Memphis. The XAI data center began operating last year, powered in part by pollution emitting gas turbines without first applying for a permit.

[Host]

Officials have said an exemption allowed them.

[Commentator]

To operate for up to 364 days without a permit. However, Southern Environmental Law center says there is no such exemption for turbines and that it's now been more than a year. They also say the use of the turbines violates the Clean Air act and that residents who live near the facility already face cancer risk at four times the national average. That last sentence is all that matters to me. No doubt. This is in South Memphis. From what I read, that it's a poor and impoverished neighborhood. Now, Elon Musk and his company will tell you that it's generating billions for the local economy, if not at least hundreds of millions of dollars. They're talking about plants that are being built, one that's cost over $35 million and something else, and that's going to generate jobs. We certainly understand the importance of generating jobs, generating revenue, stimulating an economy, making sure that folks within the Memphis community, specifically the South Memphis community, are benefiting. As Mayor Paul Young pointed out, they're trying to make sure that the revenue generated, at least 25% of that revenue is allocated for folks within a five mile radius of this plant. I respect that, understand it. I understand the importance of economics. I understand the importance of a flourishing local economy. I understand about jobs. I get it because you want to pay your bills and what have you, but air pollution, risk of cancer four times greater than it normally is? What good is everything I mentioned if you're dead? Dead. We can't have that. We can't have that. So the naacp, according to law, is obligated. If you're going to file this lawsuit, you got to give them 60 days notice. And that is what has happened. So this lawsuit essentially is forthcoming and we'll know the facts. And in fairness to Elon, Musk and Xai, they've essentially said that they violated no laws. They followed all the protocols and the rules and regulations necessary to justify doing this project, and this is what they're doing. But if people, if their health is endangered at four times the normal rate of what it normally would be, ladies and gentlemen, we got ourselves a problem. And there's nobody on this planet, especially nobody in the United States of America, especially nobody in Memphis who should sit silent about this. We're as strong as our weakest link. And those impoverished living in impoverished neighborhoods need our voice. They need our help. So we need to keep a watchful eye on this and to make sure all the I's are dotted and T's are crossed to ensure that while revenue is being generated that corners aren't being.

[Advertiser]

Cut.

[Commentator]

To potentially compromise the well being of the impoverished amongst us. They matter just as much as the rest of us, just as much as the rest of us. And there's no way in hell that we should sit idly by and be quiet if something like this is potentially going on. So while I disagreed with the NAACP's position about inviting Trump to their convention to speak, I applaud the NAACP for bringing attention to this by announcing that they're gonna file this lawsuit to get this matter addressed. Good looking out, Mr. Johnson. Good looking out.

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[Host]

This is an iHeart podcast.