Trump’s travel ban: Companies and executives speak out

Tech executives in particular have expressed deep concern about President Trump’s ban on travel by citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries. But leaders of companies across the economy are speaking out.

Immigrants have played a big role building some major U.S. companies, particularly in tech. A 2011 report from the Partnership for a New American Economy estimates that 45% of high-tech companies in the Fortune 500 were founded by first- or second-generation Americans.

Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford and CEO Mark Fields

In a memo to employees, they said they do not support the ban. “Respect for all people is a core value of Ford Motor Company, and we are proud of the rich diversity of our company here at home and around the world,” they wrote.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos

Bezos sent a memo to all of his employees stating, “This executive order is one we do not support,” and the memo listed several actions the company was taking to oppose the order.

“We’re a nation of immigrants whose diverse backgrounds, ideas, and points of view have helped us building and invent as a nation for over 240 years…. It’s a distinctive competitive advantage for our country—one we should not weaken.”

Coca-Cola Chairman and CEO Muhtar Kent

Kent said in a statement that “the Coca Cola (CCHGY) Company is resolute in its commitment to diversity, fairness and inclusion, and we do not support this travel ban or any policy that is contrary to our core values and beliefs.”

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan

“As a global company, we depend upon the diverse sources of talent that our teammates represent,” Moynihan wrote in a memo to employees. He added, “In view of this, we are closely monitoring the recent refugee- and immigration-related executive order in the United States, and subsequent developments.”

New York Times Co. CEO Mark Thompson and Times publisher Arthur Sulzberger

“We are committed to diversity of talent, thought and ideas and the fair and equal treatment of all employees, whatever their background,” they said in a memo to staff. “We will do everything in our power to support and protect every one of our colleagues, regardless of their race, country of origin, and religion or belief system.”

They specified they were speaking as employers, not about the editorial opinion or news reporting of The Times. The Times editorial board on Saturday called the ban cruel, bigoted, cowardly and self-defeating.

Apple CEO Tim Cook

Cook issued a letter, obtained by CNN, reacting to what he called “deep concerns” among employees. He assured workers that Apple (AAPL, Tech30) does not support Trump’s policy and the company is prepared to help them.

“Apple would not exist without immigration, let alone thrive and innovate the way we do,” Cook said.

In an internal memo, Executive Chairman Lachlan Murdoch and CEO James Murdoch said they “value diversity and believe immigration is an essential part of America’s strength.”

“Moreover, as a company that is driven by creativity and innovation, we recognize the unique perspective offered by our many people who came to the U.S. in search of the opportunity for unfettered self-expression,” they said.

Skift Co-Founder Jason Clampet

Clampet said in Skift’s newsletter that travel industry leaders “have to figure out how we move from here, and the biggest role we have is to fight for the right of free movement of people — ALL of us, every color, every race, every orientation — in and out of America and beyond, and the future of a connected world outside of the neo-isolationist bubbles.”

WPP CEO Martin Sorrell

The CEO of the British advertising company told CNN that it was too early to judge the full impact of the ban. But he said his gut reaction was that “this sort of restriction is unfair, or has unfair consequences on innocent people.”

Rakuten CEO Hiroshi Mikitani