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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Notable Quotes
- 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)
- Stephen A. Smith: "Why not let the 47th president of the United States come and address the NAACP convention?" (03:25)
- Stephen A. Smith: "What good is everything I mentioned if you’re dead?" (12:45)
- 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)
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.