Story perspectives

Trump Claims 'Reverse Discrimination' Against White Americans, NAACP Responds

1/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump claimed that civil rights protections from the 1960s have resulted in “reverse discrimination” against white individuals, limiting their access to college and job opportunities.
In an interview with The New York Times, Trump acknowledged the Civil Rights Act's positive outcomes but stated it also harmed some white Americans.
Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP, refuted Trump's claims, stating there is no evidence of discrimination against white men.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has urged white men to report perceived workplace discrimination.

History

Historical Context

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a culmination of decades of struggle for racial equality, building on earlier legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1957. It outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, impacting around 20 million African Americans. Ongoing debates about civil rights, including claims of "reverse discrimination," reflect the persistent challenges in achieving true equity in America.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump claimed that civil rights protections from the 1960s have resulted in “reverse discrimination” against white individuals, limiting their access to college and job opportunities.
In an interview with The New York Times, Trump acknowledged the Civil Rights Act's positive outcomes but stated it also harmed some white Americans.
Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP, refuted Trump's claims, stating there is no evidence of discrimination against white men.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has urged white men to report perceived workplace discrimination.

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