MONEY

Statements from CEOs who served on Trump's now-disbanded economic councils

Kellie Ell
USA TODAY
President Trump, left, with Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier on July 20, 2017, at the White House.

President Trump's public response to the white nationalists' rally in Charlottesville left many angry.

It prompted Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier to resign from the president's manufacturing jobs council and opened the floodgate of other CEOs' resignations.  

Sensing that more CEOs are planning to abandon him, Trump declared on Twitter that he's disbanding the manufacturing council and his other business council, the Strategic & Policy Forum. The statements from a few CEOs on the policy forum indicate that they made the decision to discontinue it. 

"Rather than putting pressuring on the businesspeople of the Manufacturing Council & Strategy & Policy Forum, I am ending both. Thank you all!" Trump tweeted

Here's a list of the CEOs who've signed onto advise Trump on the councils and what they had to say. 

Manufacturing Jobs Council:

RESIGNED:

Kenneth Frazier, CEO of Merck

Frazier announced on Twitter that he is resigning from the council. "America's leaders must honor our fundamental values by clearly rejecting expressions of hatred, bigotry and group supremacy, which run counter to the American ideal that all people are created equal," he said.   

Brian Krzanich, CEO of Intel Corp.

Krzanich resigned from the council. Writing on the tech company's blog, Krzanich said he is resigning "to call attention to the serious harm our divided political climate is causing to critical issues. I have already made clear my abhorrence at the recent hate-spawned violence in Charlottesville, and earlier today I called on all leaders to condemn the white supremacists and their ilk who marched and committed violence. I resigned because I want to make progress."

Scott Paul, president of Alliance for American Manufacturing

Paul announced on Twitter that he is resigning. "I'm resigning from the Manufacturing Jobs Initiative because it's the right thing for me to do," he said. 

Kevin Plank, CEO of Under Armour

As he resigned, Plank released this statement:

"I joined the American Manufacturing Council because I believed it was important for Under Armour to have an active seat at the table and represent our industry. We remain resolute in our potential and ability to improve American manufacturing. However, Under Armour engages in innovation and sports, not politics. I am appreciative of the opportunity to have served, but have decided to step down from the council. I love our country and our company and will continue to focus my efforts on inspiring every person that they can do anything through the power of sport which promotes unity, diversity and inclusion."

Richard Trumka, president of AFL-CIO

Trumka quit on Tuesday. 

"We cannot sit on a council for a president who tolerates bigotry and domestic terrorism. President Trump's remarks today repudiate his forced remarks yesterday about the KKK and neo-Nazis," he said. "We joined this council with the intent to be a voice for working people and real hope that it would result in positive economic policy, but it has become yet another broken promise on the president's record."

Thea Lee, a former economist at AFL-CIO

Lee, who worked as economist and deputy chief of staff at AFL-CIO, also stepped down from the council. She hasn't been employed by the labor group for several months. But she had continued to represent AFL-CIO on the council. 

Inge Thulin, CEO of 3M
Thulin announced on Twitter on Wednesday that he is resigning from the council and issued this statement: 

"I joined the Manufacturing Jobs Initiative in January to advocate for policies that align with our values and encourage even stronger investment and job growth – in order to make the United States stronger, healthier and more prosperous for all people. After careful consideration, I believe the initiative is no longer an effective vehicle for 3M to advance these goals. Sustainability, diversity and inclusion are my personal values and also fundamental to the 3M Vision. The past few months have provided me with an opportunity to reflect upon my commitment to these values."

Denise Morrison, CEO of Campbell Soup 

She resigned and issued the following statement: 

"Racism and murder are unequivocally reprehensible and are not morally equivalent to anything else that happened in Charlottesville. I believe the President should have been – and still needs to be – unambiguous on that point. Following yesterday’s remarks from the President, I cannot remain on the Manufacturing Jobs Initiative. I will continue to support all efforts to spur economic growth and advocate for the values that have always made America great."

Alex Gorsky, CEO of Johnson & Johnson

Shortly after Trump announced that he was disbanding both councils, Gorsky announced his resignation. 

"The President’s most recent statements equating those who are motivated by race-based hate with those who stand up against hatred is unacceptable and has changed our decision to participate in the White House Manufacturing Advisory Council," he said. 

Greg Hayes, CEO of United Technologies Corp.

Shortly after Trump's announced that he was disbanding the councils, Hayes tweeted that he was resigning from the manufacturing council

Andrew Liveris, CEO of The Dow Chemical Co.

After the council was disbanded, Liveris issued this statement: 

"Every member of the Manufacturing Jobs Initiative condemns racism and bigotry, and there cannot be moral ambiguity around the driving forces of the events in Charlottesville. However, in discussions I had with the White House earlier today, I indicated that in the current environment it was no longer possible to conduct productive discussions under the auspices of the Initiative.  And so, as proud as I am of the efforts we were taking on behalf of the American worker, disbanding the Manufacturing Jobs Initiative was the right decision."

Bill Brown, CEO of Harris Corp.

Harris couldn't be reached for comment.

Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Technologies

Dell released this statement prior to Trump's tweet to disband the councils:

“While we would not comment on any member’s personal decision, there’s no change in Dell engaging with the Trump administration and governments around the world to share our perspective on policy issues that affect our company, our customers and our employees."

John Ferriola, CEO of Nucor Corp.

Nucor released this statement prior to Trump's tweet to disband the councils: 

“On behalf of John Ferriola, Chairman, CEO and President of Nucor Corporation: At Nucor, we condemn the violence that occurred this past weekend in Charlottesville and reject the hate, bigotry, and racism expressed at the demonstration. As North America’s largest steel producer, Nucor has engaged with several administrations to work on policies that help strengthen the U.S. manufacturing sector and provide opportunities for American workers. We believe a strong manufacturing sector is the backbone of a strong economy, and we will continue to serve as a member of the White House Manufacturing Jobs Initiative.”

Jeff Fettig, CEO of Whirlpool Corp.

Whirlpool released this statement prior to Trump's tweet to disband the councils:

“Whirlpool Corp. believes strongly in an open and inclusive culture that respects people of all races and backgrounds. Our company has long fostered an environment of acceptance and tolerance in the workplace. The company will continue on the Manufacturing Jobs Initiative to represent our industry, our 15,000 U.S. workers, and to provide input and advice on ways to create jobs and strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness."

Jeff Immelt, chairman of General Electric

GE released this statement prior to Trump's tweet to disband the councils: 

"GE has no tolerance for hate, bigotry or racism, and we strongly condemn the violent extremism in Charlottesville over the weekend. GE is a proudly inclusive company with employees who represent all religions, nationalities, sexual orientations and races. With more than 100,000 employees in the United States, it is important for GE to participate in the discussion on how to drive growth and productivity in the U.S., therefore, Jeff Immelt will remain on the Presidential Committee on American Manufacturing while he is the Chairman of GE."

Mark Sutton, CEO of International Paper

International Paper released this statement prior to Trump's tweet to disband the councils: 

"International Paper strongly condemns the violence that took place in Charlottesville over the weekend - there is no place for hatred, bigotry and racism in our society. We are a company that fosters an inclusive workforce where all employees are valued and treated with dignity and respect. Through our participation on the Manufacturing Jobs Council, we will work to strengthen the social and economic fabric of communities across the country by creating employment opportunities in manufacturing."

Dennis Muilenburg, CEO of Boeing  

Boeing released this statement prior to Trump's tweet to disband the councils: 

"Dennis Muilenburg plans to remain on the manufacturing council. Staying engaged with business leaders and policy makers on the council is important to make progress on manufacturing issues important to our company and the country."

Michael Polk, CEO of Newell Brands

Newell Brands released this statement prior to Trump's tweet to disband the councils: 

“We find the events of this past weekend in Charlottesville to be incredibly troubling. There is simply no place in our society for racism of any kind, white supremacy, or Neo-Nazism. The values that form these views are intolerable and completely contrary to everything we hold true as proud Americans. We reject and condemn all that hate stands for and hope that as a society, we can come together as one in this view. For its part, Newell Brands has always been and will always be committed to diversity and inclusion in every aspect of our business.”

"It is in our best interests to have a voice in the conversations that can influence the environment in which we work. I plan to continue to collaborate with other leaders from diverse industries, who represent a variety of perspectives and beliefs, to help shape strategies and develop policies that foster a more vibrant economy and more jobs in the U.S."

Marillyn Hewson, CEO of Lockheed Martin 

A spokesperson said Hewson has no comment. 

Jim Kamsickas, CEO of Dana Inc. 

Kamsickas couldn't be reached for comment.  

Rich Kyle, CEO of The Timken Co.

Kyle couldn't be reached for comment.  

Wendell Weeks, CEO of Corning

Weeks couldn't be reached for comment.  

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla

Musk resigned from the President's Council in June because of disagreements with the Trump administration's policy on climate change.

Doug Oberhelman, former CEO of Caterpillar

He retired in March. 

Klaus Kleinfeld, former CEO of Arconic

Kleinfeld stepped down as the company's CEO in April. Arconic was not a member of the council. 

Mark Fields, former CEO of Ford Motor 

In May, Fields left Ford.  There was no representative from Ford on the council.

Mario Longhi, CEO of U.S. Steel

Longhi retired in June. The company was not a member of the council.

Strategy & Policy Business Forum

Before Trump's tweet announcing the strategy & policy forum would also be disbanded, no member of the council said they would be leaving. Here's what they said. 

Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart 

“Respect for the individual is one of our core beliefs at Walmart. And the role we play in communities around the country to build a more diverse and inclusive society is more critical than ever as the tragic events in Charlottesville over the weekend painfully reminded us. As we watched the events and the response from President Trump over the weekend, we too felt that he missed a critical opportunity to help bring our country together by unequivocally rejecting the appalling actions of white supremacists. His remarks today were a step in the right direction and we need that clarity and consistency in the future.

"Our country is facing some very difficult issues that require our elected officials, business leaders and community-based organizations to work together. Representing a company with the largest and one of the most diverse groups of associates in the U.S., and an even more diverse customer base of tens of millions of customers, we believe we should stay engaged to try to influence decisions in a positive way and help bring people together."

Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase & Co.

"We were all disturbed by the bigotry and violence in Charlottesville, Virginia this past weekend and pray for the victims, their families and the healing of the community. The violence was a stark reminder that we must recommit ourselves every day as a society to stand up and uphold the values that bind us as Americans. As a firm, we have dedicated ourselves to advancing the American dream of economic opportunity for all, including programs for our employees and our corporate responsibility initiatives to build wealth and economic mobility among families and entrepreneurs of color."

Mark Weinberger, Global Chairman and CEO of professional services firm EY

"I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the tragic, deplorable acts that took place in Charlottesville this weekend... With more than 42,000 people in the US and 250,000 people around the world, EY is proud to be an inclusive organization. Now is the time for business leaders and government to unite to ensure we become stronger through our differences."

Stephen Schwarzman, (Forum Chairman), Chairman and CEO of Blackstone

He declined to comment. But Blackstone released this statement on behalf of the forum:

"As our members have expressed individually over the past several days, intolerance, racism and violence have absolutely no place in this country and are an affront to core American values. The President's Strategic and Policy Forum was conceived as a bi-partisan group of business leaders called to serve our country by providing independent feedback and perspectives directly to the President on accelerating economic growth and job creation in the United States. We believe the debate over Forum participation has become a distraction from our well-intentioned and sincere desire to aid vital policy discussions on how to improve the lives of everyday Americans. As such, the President and we are disbanding the Forum. Job creation and supporting an inclusive pro-growth agenda remain vitally important to the progress of our country. As Americans, we are all united in our desire to see our country succeed." 

Mary Barra, Chairman and CEO of General Motors

After the forum was disbanded, she issued this statement: 

"The President and members of the President’s Strategic and Policy Forum have disbanded the forum. General Motors is about unity and inclusion and so am I. Recent events, particularly those in Charlottesville, Virginia, and its aftermath, require that we come together as a country and reinforce values and ideals that unite us - tolerance, inclusion and diversity – and speak against those which divide us – racism, bigotry and any politics based on ethnicity."
"I am committed to our employees, customers, and shareholders, and I am very proud of our work in support of American manufacturing -- from designing, manufacturing and selling outstanding trucks, crossovers and cars in the U.S. to advancing safer, simpler and sustainable transportation solutions for the future." 

Toby Cosgrove, CEO of Cleveland Clinic

After Trump announced he was disbanding both councils, a spokesperson for the Cleveland Clinic released a statement. 

"The President's Strategic and Policy Forum was conceived as a bi-partisan group of business leaders called to serve our country by providing independent feedback and perspectives directly to the President on accelerating economic growth and job creation in the United States. We believe the debate over Forum participation has become a distraction from our well-intentioned and sincere desire to aid vital policy discussions on how to improve the lives of everyday Americans. As such, the President and we are disbanding the Forum. Job creation and supporting an inclusive pro-growth agenda remain vitally important to the progress of our country."

Ginni Rometty, Chairman and CEO of IBM

She couldn't be reached for comment.  But she wrote this to her employees after the forum was disbanded: 

"In the past week, we have seen and heard of public events and statements that run counter to our values as a country and a company. IBM has long said, and more importantly, demonstrated its commitment to a workplace and a society that is open, inclusive and provides opportunity to all. IBM’s commitment to these values remains robust, active and unwavering. 

The despicable conduct of hate groups in Charlottesville last weekend, and the violence and death that resulted from it, shows yet again that our nation needs to focus on unity, inclusion, and tolerance. For more than a century and in more than 170 countries, IBM has been committed to these values. 

Engagement is part of our history, too. We have worked with every U.S. president since Woodrow Wilson. We are determinedly non-partisan – we maintain no political action committee. And we have always believed that dialogue is critical to progress; that is why I joined the President’s Forum earlier this year. 

But this group can no longer serve the purpose for which it was formed. Earlier today I spoke with other members of the Forum and we agreed to disband the group. IBM will continue to work with all parts of the government for policies that support job growth, vocational education and global trade, as well as fair and informed policies on immigration and taxation."

Adebayo “Bayo” Ogunlesi, Chairman and Managing Partner of Global Infrastructure Partners 

Ogunlesi declined to comment. 

Jim McNerney, former Chairman and CEO of Boeing

McNerney declined to comment.

Paul Atkins, CEO of Patomak Global Partners and former commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission

He couldn't be reached for comment.  

Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock

He couldn't be reached for comment.  

Rich Lesser, CEO, Boston Consulting Group

He couldn't be reached for comment.  

Indra Nooyi, Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo

She couldn't be reached for comment.  

Kevin Warsh, Visiting Fellow in Economics at Hoover Institution and former member of the board of governors of the Federal Reserve System

He couldn't be reached for comment.  

Jack Welch, former Chairman and CEO of General Electric

He couldn't be reached for comment.  

Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman of IHS Markit

He couldn't be reached for comment.