Under Armour, Intel CEOs latest to quit Trump’s advisory council

Under Armour and Intel have also left Trump's American Manufacturing Council in the wake of his response to the violence in Charlottesville.

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In addition to Merck, Under Armour and Intel have now left President Donald Trump‘s American Manufacturing Council in the wake of his tepid response to the violence this weekend in Charlottesville.

Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said in his announcement that he was leaving that the political environment of uncertainty and tension would have an effect on businesses.

“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,” Krzanich said in statement to Axios.

“I resigned because I want to make progress, while many in Washington seem more concerned with attacking anyone who disagrees with them,” he said. “We should honor — not attack — those who have stood up for equality and other cherished American values.”

Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank and Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier had both said that they were quitting the council earlier. Frazier in particular, as one of a very few Black company heads for Fortune 500 companies, said it was a “matter of personal conscience.”

“I feel a responsibility to take a stand against intolerance and extremism,” Frazier said.

Plank, who had once called Trump a “real asset” to business, put out a similar statement, saying, “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,” he said.

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