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Before the president disbanded two business councils Wednesday afternoon, several executives had already resigned.
Donald Trump tweeted, "Rather than putting pressure on the businesspeople of the Manufacturing Council & Strategy & Policy Forum, I am ending both. Thank you all!"
The resignations followed Trump's waffling responses to the deadly right-wing violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, over the weekend, in a bizarre press conference Tuesday. CNBC took a look at where all the executives stood prior to the president's announcement.
Eight of 37 members of president's Strategic and Policy Forum and Manufacturing Jobs Initiative councils had resigned this week, while 12 condemned the violence. A member of the first panel told CNBC on Wednesday afternoon that the group has decided to disband.
Around the time of Trump's announcement, two additional members, Johnson & Johnson and United Technologies also stepped down. They would have been the ninth and 10th members to resign. Later, General Electric's Jeff Immelt issued a statement saying he had notified the council Wednesday morning of his decision to step down.
Later Wednesday afternoon, Corning CEO Wendell Weeks also stepped down, saying in a statement, "the events of the last few days have transformed the council's laudable mission of job creation into a perception of political support for the Administration and its statements. This runs counter to my original intention and is inconsistent with Corning's Values."
The exodus was led by Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier who resigned Monday from a manufacturing council, saying, "As C.E.O. of Merck and as a matter of personal conscience, I feel a responsibility to take a stand against extremism."
In addition to those two advisory groups, the Trump administration also formed the American Technology Council. That group consists of exclusively administration officials, although business leaders have been invited to attend meetings.
With each new resignation, those left on the council faced increased scrutiny.
Larry Summers, a former Clinton Treasury secretary, had harsh words for Trump on Wednesday, calling on all the business leaders to step down.
On the opposite side, Andrew Puzder, former CEO of CKE Restaurants, said CEOs should not give up their seat at the table, saying it was a way to influence policy for the better.
On Monday and Tuesday, Trump attacked those who left the councils, tweeting at Frazier almost immediately after the Merck chief resigned and later tweeting, "For every CEO that drops out of the Manufacturing Council, I have many to take their place. Grandstanders should not have gone on. JOBS!"
Unless otherwise noted, all of the following statements are from company representatives.
American Manufacturing Council
| Name | Company | Resign date | Statement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Liveris | Dow Chemical CEO | Staying | Liveris: I condemn the violence this weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia, and my thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones and with the people of Virginia. In Dow there is no room for hatred, racism, or bigotry. Dow will continue to work to strengthen the social and economic fabric of the communities where it operates. |
| Bill Brown | Harris Corp. CEO | No comment | |
| Michael Dell | Dell Technologies CEO | Staying | Thanks for reaching out. While we wouldn't 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, customers and employees. |
| John Ferriola | Nucor Corp. CEO | Staying | Ferriola: 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 | Whirlpool Corp. CEO | Staying | 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. |
| Mark Fields | Ford Motor, former CEO | No longer with Ford | |
| Kenneth Frazier | Merck CEO | Aug 14, 2017 | Frazier: I am resigning from the President's American Manufacturing Council. Our country's strength stems from its diversity and the contributions made by men and women of different faiths, races, sexual orientations and policitcal beliefs. 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. As CEO of Merck and as a matter of personal conscience, I feel a responsibility to take a stand against intolerance and extremism. |
| Alex Gorsky | Johnson & Johnson CEO | Aug. 16, 2017 | Gorsky: Johnson & Johnson has a responsibility to remain engaged as important policy decisions are made. That hasn't changed. 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. We will continue to support, advocate and champion policies and programs that make this country and the world healthier, stronger and more united. |
| Greg Hayes | United Technologies CEO | Aug. 16, 2017 | Hayes: Earlier this year I was asked to participate in the American Manufacturing Council that was established by the new administration. This council, which is made up of more than 20 CEO’s of leading American manufacturers, was tasked with developing policies to revitalize the American manufacturing sector. The administration has other councils focused on other policy areas, such as developing a competitive income tax code and streamlining burdensome regulation.UTC strongly supports the goals of each of these advisory committees as a way of ensuring and enhancing America’s growth in the decades to come. However, as events of the last week have unfolded here in the U.S., it is clear that we need to collectively stand together and denounce the politics of hate, intolerance and racism. The values that are the cornerstone of our culture: tolerance, diversity, empathy and trust, must be reaffirmed by our actions every day. Accordingly, I have tendered my resignation from the Council effective today. |
| Marillyn Hewson | Lockheed Martin CEO | No comment | |
| Jeff Immelt | General Electric Chairman | Aug. 16, 2017 | Immelt: The President’s statements yesterday were deeply troubling. There would be no GE without people of all races, religions, genders, and sexual orientations. GE has no tolerance for hate, bigotry, racism, and the white supremacist extremism that the country witnessed in Charlottesville last weekend. I joined the President’s Committee on Manufacturing because engagement with government on economic policy is very important for GE, our employees, and partners. As a company that exports over $20 billion of American made goods to the world, I believe we are best served when we constructively engage with leaders in the United States and around the world. The Committee I joined had the intention to foster policies that promote American manufacturing and growth. However, given the ongoing tone of the discussion, I no longer feel that this Council can accomplish these goals. Therefore, I notified members of the council this morning that I could no longer serve on the President’s Committee on American Manufacturing. |
| Jim Kamsickas | Dana CEO | Not immediately available | |
| Klaus Kleinfeld | Arconic, former CEO | No longer with Arconic | |
| Brian Krzanich | Intel CEO | Aug 14, 2017 | Read Krzanich's comments at his blog |
| Rich Kyle | The Timken Company, CEO | Not immediately available | |
| Thea Lee | AFL-CIO, deputy chief of staff | Aug. 15, 2017 | Issued joint statement with Richard Trumka |
| Mario Longhi | U.S. Steel, former CEO | No longer with U.S. Steel | |
| Denise Morrison | Campbell Soup CEO | Aug. 16, 2017 | Morrison: 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. |
| Dennis Muilenburg | Boeing CEO | Muilenburg is staying with the council, the company said. | |
| Elon Musk | Tesla CEO | June 1, 2017 | Am departing presidential councils. Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world. Read on Twitter |
| Doug Oberhelman | Caterpillar, former CEO | No longer with Caterpillar | |
| Scott Paul | Alliance for American Manufacturing President | Aug 15, 2017 | Paul: I'm resigning from the Manufacturing Jobs Initiative because it's the right thing for me to do. Read on Twitter |
| Kevin Plank | Under Armour CEO | Aug 14, 2017 | Plank: 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. |
| Michael Polk | Newell Brands CEO | Staying | Polk: With a large portion of our business in the U.S., including a manufacturing footprint of more than 60 factories and 15,000 employees (and counting), 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. 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. |
| Mark Sutton | International Paper CEO | Staying | 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. |
| Inge Thulin | 3M CEO | Aug. 16, 2017 | 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. 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. As a result, today I am resigning from the Manufacturing Advisory Council. At 3M, we will continue to champion an environment that supports sustainability, diversity and inclusion. I am committed to building a company that improves lives in every corner of the world. |
| Richard Trumka | AFL-CIO President | Aug. 15, 2017 | Lee/Trumka: The AFL-CIO has unequivocally denounced the actions of bigoted domestic terrorists in Charlottesville and called on the President to do the same. We are aware of the decisions by other members of the President's Manufacturing Council, which has yet to hold any real meeting, and are assessing our role. While the AFL-CIO will remain a powerful voice for the freedoms of working people, there are real questions into the effectiveness of this council to deliver real policy that lifts working families. |
| Wendell Weeks | Corning CEO | Aug. 16, 2017 | Weeks: Over the last few days I have been saddened and angered over events taking place in the United States. The display of hatred and racism from the white supremacists in Charlottesville is reprehensible. The notion of white supremacy is counter to the ideals on which the United States was founded and deeply offensive to all of us who believe in equality of all people. I love my country and know that America is better than the hatred that was on display this past weekend. I also love this company and have dedicated more than 30 years to advancing Corning’s mission to create life-changing innovations and upholding our Values. You have my word that Corning will continue living its Values – all seven, all the time, all around the world. We will continue to have a zero tolerance policy toward racism, bigotry, and discrimination. And we will continue to create work environments and communities that are inclusive, because we know that diversity enriches all of us. As many of you are aware, I have served as an advisor to the Manufacturing Jobs Initiative since January. Corning was asked to participate on this council to offer our deep expertise in innovation and manufacturing and advise the government on how to create jobs and strengthen the innovation and manufacturing sectors. I want to underscore that Corning’s participation was not a political statement, nor an endorsement of the Administration’s policies or positions, but instead part of our commitment to innovation, manufacturing leadership, and job creation. I believe we come up with more effective solutions when government and industry work together, and that Corning can make a positive difference by participating in the dialogue. However, the events of the last few days have transformed the council’s laudable mission of job creation into a perception of political support for the Administration and its statements. This runs counter to my original intention and is inconsistent with Corning’s Values. As a result I have made the decision to step down from the council. Corning remains willing to do our part to strengthen our country and the world, as we have for the past 166 years. I also plan to continue doing my part personally to foster innovation, strengthen U.S. manufacturing, and create jobs. However, I will never compromise Corning’s Values to do so. Thank you for contributing your unique talents, perspectives, and backgrounds to make Corning a stronger company and our world a better place. And thank you for living Corning’s Values every day. |
Strategic Policy Council
| Name | Company | Resign date | Statement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen Schwarzman | Blackstone CEO | Staying | Schwarzman: Bigotry, hatred and extremism are an affront to core American values and have no place in this country. I am deeply saddened and troubled by the tragic events in Charlottesville. My heartfelt condolences go out to the victims and their families. As the President said today, I believe we need to find a path forward to heal the wounds left by this tragedy and address its underlying causes. Encouraging tolerance and understanding must be a core national imperative and I will work to further that goal. |
| Paul Atkins | Patomak Global Partners CEO | Not immediately available | |
| Mary Barra | General Motors CEO | Barra: 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 | Cleveland Clinic CEO | There will be no change to Cosgrove's role, the Cleveland Clinic told the Cleveland Plain-Dealer. | |
| Jamie Dimon | JPMorgan Chase & Co. CEO | Staying | Dimon: 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 racist behavior on display by these perpetrators of hate should be condemned and has no place in a country that draws strength from our diversity and humanity. 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. Our global philanthropy team is engaged with our community and non-profit partners in the Charlottesville area to identify the most meaningful way for our company to reinforce these core values and provide assistance. In addition, as Chairman of Business Roundtable, I co-authored a statement with the Roundtable’s President and CEO Josh Bolten. Together, with more than 200 other CEOs with nearly 15 million employees, we stand united against racism and in support of unity and healing. My hope is that the business community can continue to be a leader in this effort. |
| Larry Fink | BlackRock CEO | Not immediately available | |
| Bob Iger | The Walt Disney Company CEO | June 1, 2017 | June 1: @RobertIger: As a matter of principle, I've resigned from the President's Council over the #ParisAgreement withdrawal. |
| Travis Kalanick | Former Uber CEO | Feb. 2, 2017 | Read Kalanick’s statement |
| Rich Lesser | Boston Consulting Group CEO | Not immediately available | |
| Dough McMillon | Wal-Mart Stores CEO | Staying | Read McMillon's statement |
| Jim McNerney | Boeing CEO | Not immediately available | |
| Indra Nooyi | PepsiCo CEO | Staying | August 15: @IndraNooyi: Heartbroken by the violence in #Charlottesville. Hate and intolerance are a betrayal of what we stand for as Americans. |
| Adebayo “Bayo” Ogunlesi | Global Infrastructure Partners, Chairman | Not immediately available | |
| Ginni Rometty | IBM CEO | By now, you’ve seen the news that we have disbanded the President’s Strategy and Policy Forum. 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. | |
| Kevin Warsh | Shepard Family Distinguished Visiting Fellow in Economics, Hoover Institute | No comment | |
| Mark Weinberger | EY CEO | No comment | |
| Daniel Yergin | IHS Markit, Vice Chairman | Not immediately available |
American Technology Council
These are the tech leaders who had been invited to attend meetings.
| Name | Company | | Statement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajay Banga | MasterCard CEO | Not immediately available | |
| Jeff Bezos | Amazon CEO | No comment | |
| Zachary Bookman | OpenGov CEO | Not immediately available | |
| Safra Catz | Oracle Co-Chief Executive | No comment | |
| Tim Cook | Apple CEO | 2 tweets on Aug 14. Read more here | |
| John Doerr | Kleiner Perkins, Chairman | Not immediately available | |
| Pat Gelsinger | VMware CEO | Not immediately available | |
| Alex Karp | Palantir CEO | Not immediately available | |
| Brian Krzanich | Intel CEO | Issued statement on his blog. Read more here | |
| Tom Leighton | Akamai CEO | Not immediately available | |
| Bill McDermott | SAP CEO | Not immediately available | |
| Steven Mollenkopf | Qualcomm CEO | Not immediately available | |
| Satya Nadella | Microsoft CEO | Not immediately available | |
| Shantanu Narayen | Adobe CEO | Not immediately available | |
| Ginni Rometty | IBM CEO | Not immediately available | |
| Eric Schmidt | Alphabet Executive Chairman | Not immediately available | |
| Julie Sweet | Accenture CEO | Not immediately available | |
| Peter Thiel | Founders Fund Partner | Not immediately available |