Apple CEO Tim Cook writes powerful letter rejecting Donald Trump’s Charlottesville comments
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Apple boss Tim Cook has penned a powerful letter rejecting the rhetoric of Donald Trump.
The openly gay CEO wrote to staff following President Trump’s response to a white nationalist rally in Virginia, which claimed the life of one woman.
The US president has been widely condemned for equating the actions of neo Nazis and anti-fascist campaigners.
Members of the Ku Klux Klan gesture during a rally
Cook reassured staff that Apple does not share the president’s views, and called for Americans to reject Nazi sympathisers.
He also announced the company would donate $1 million each to the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League.
In a letter seen by Recode, Cook said: “What occurred in Charlottesville has no place in our country.
“Hate is a cancer, and left unchecked it destroys everything in its path. Its scars last generations.
“History has taught us this time and time again, both in the United States and countries around the world.
“We must not witness or permit such hate and bigotry in our country, and we must be unequivocal about it.
“This is not about the left or the right, conservative or liberal. It is about human decency and morality.
“I disagree with the president and others who believe that there is a moral equivalence between white supremacists and Nazis, and those who oppose them by standing up for human rights.
“Equating the two runs counter to our ideals as Americans.”
The Republican maverick’s approval ratings have fallen to the lowest of any president at the six month stage.
Since the Trans military ban was declared, President Trump has seen a significant decline in support.
A Quinnipiac University poll showed the president had a 33% approval rating and a 61% disapproval rating.
That’s 10% wiped off Trump’s approval ratings in just a few weeks – more than enough Americans to prevent his re-election.
The poll result makes him the least popular president of modern times – with all of his predecessors having higher ratings at the half year mark.
Read Tim Cook’s full letter:
Team,
Like so many of you, equality is at the core of my beliefs and values. The events of the past several days have been deeply troubling for me, and I’ve heard from many people at Apple who are saddened, outraged or confused.
What occurred in Charlottesville has no place in our country. Hate is a cancer, and left unchecked it destroys everything in its path. Its scars last generations. History has taught us this time and time again, both in the United States and countries around the world.
We must not witness or permit such hate and bigotry in our country, and we must be unequivocal about it. This is not about the left or the right, conservative or liberal. It is about human decency and morality. I disagree with the president and others who believe that there is a moral equivalence between white supremacists and Nazis, and those who oppose them by standing up for human rights. Equating the two runs counter to our ideals as Americans.
Regardless of your political views, we must all stand together on this one point — that we are all equal. As a company, through our actions, our products and our voice, we will always work to ensure that everyone is treated equally and with respect.
I believe Apple has led by example, and we’re going to keep doing that. We have always welcomed people from every walk of life to our stores around the world and showed them that Apple is inclusive of everyone. We empower people to share their views and express themselves through our products.
In the wake of the tragic and repulsive events in Charlottesville, we are stepping up to help organizations who work to rid our country of hate. Apple will be making contributions of $1 million each to the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League. We will also match two-for-one our employees’ donations to these and several other human rights groups, between now and September 30.
In the coming days, iTunes will offer users an easy way to join us in directly supporting the work of the SPLC.
Dr. Martin Luther King said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” So, we will continue to speak up. These have been dark days, but I remain as optimistic as ever that the future is bright. Apple can and will play an important role in bringing about positive change.
Best,
Tim
