Trump’s weak response to the horrific Charlottesville events continue to cause backlash. Business leaders are dropping like flies from the President’s American Manufacturing Council. Yesterday, Merck CEO Ken Frazier started the movement, stating, “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.” The President responded tweeting, “Now that Ken Frazier of Merck Pharma has resigned from President’s Manufacturing Council, he will have more time to LOWER RIPOFF DRUG PRICES.”
But Trump’s words did little to stop other CEOs from resigning too. A few hours later, Kevin Plank, Under Armour Founder and CEO, announced his departure…then, Intel CEO, Brian Krzanich left…then CEO of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, Scott Paul dropped out. As of now a quarter of the Manufacturing Council has left.
The eight members who have resigned from the Manufacturing Council have done the right thing—but it’s time for the remaining council members to follow their lead and #QuitTheCouncil. Trump’s empty statements on Charlottesville only further highlight how bad his Administration is for people of color. From cracking down on drug laws to rolling back civil rights regulations, Trump is threatening communities of color across the country.
ACTION OF THE DAY
It’s Time to Resign. Now that several members of the President’s advisory councils have left, we need to put pressure on the remaining council members to #QuitTheCouncil.
Share the graphic below on Twitter. And don’t forget to thank the eight former council members who have done the right thing!
WHAT’S TRENDING
#DefendDACA. Today marks the anniversary of the day immigrant youth were first able to apply for 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Over the five years, DACA has helped hundreds of thousands of young people receive a temporary relief from deportation and allowed them to apply for renewable work permits, giving them an opportunity to pursue higher education, find better jobs, and contribute to their communities. But DACA is under attack. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton along with nine other states have issued an ultimatum to the Trump administration – either end DACA by September 5th or face a lawsuit. If the the Trump Administration chooses to end DACA, it would end the dreams of nearly 800,000 DACA recipients and their families. Not only is the threat contrary to our American ideals, but a report by the Center for American Progress found that ending DACA would cost states billions of dollars. To get involved in the fight to save DACA, head to DefendDACA.com.
Town Halls. House Speaker Paul Ryan announced that he will be hosting a town hall on August 21. This is the first time in over two years that he has held a public town hall for his constituents in Wisconsin. But he’s not the only member of Congress who has avoided his duty to answer to his constituents. To see how long it’s been since your representative has held a public town hall, go to DemandATownHall.us. For a list of town halls that are already scheduled, check out the Town Hall Project.
A Long Walk. Speaking of town halls, Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut is embarking on his second walk across the state. His ambitious plans? 21 town halls in five days across 103 miles. If Senator Murphy can trek across Connecticut, surely other members of Congress can walk to a local spot for one town hall.
Oceans At Risk. Do you like sea otters? Whales? Puffins? Well, the places that these sea creatures call home are under threat. The Trump Administration is currently reviewing marine protected areas, including Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of California, Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary off Michigan, Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument off Hawaii, and the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine Monument in the Atlantic. Any changes to these protections could make them vulnerable to oil and gas drilling and threaten the adorable sea otters and other species that call these places home. TODAY, August 15, is the last day to weigh in and tell Secretary Ross why our public lands and oceans need protection. Submit your personalized message here!
UNDER THE RADAR
American Workers. Trump’s policies are harming American workers, so we’ve started keeping track. Check out our new report to see the 25 worst offenders—and stay tuned for updates.