Trump dissolves jobs council as industry bosses resign

Washington — President Donald Trump dissolved the Manufacturing Jobs Initiative council after a series of executives resigned in the wake of his comments about the race-tinged violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Trump announced his decision to dissolve the jobs council and the Strategy & Policy Forum just after 3M Co. chairman, president and CEO Inge Thulin tweeted he would step down from the council.

"Rather than putting pressure on the businesspeople of the Manufacturing Council & Strategy & Policy Forum, I am ending both. Thank you all!" Trump tweeted 16 Aug.

"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 Unites States stronger, healthier and more prosperous for all people," read Thulin's statement, released on Twitter. 

"After careful consideration I believe the initiative is no longer an effective vehicle for 3M to advance these goals."

Other executives to resign their positions over Trumps response to events at Charlottesville included Campbell Soup Co. CEO Denise Morrison , Merck & Co. Inc. CEO Ken Frazier, Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank and Intel CEO Brian Krzanich.

Dow Chemical Co. chairman and CEO Andrew Liveris  had previously said he planned to remain on the council but released a statement condemning "hatred, racism and bigotry."

Liveris  released a second statement after the council had dissolved, saying that all of the council members condemn racism and bigotry, but given the current environment, the council could not continue.

Several others who represented companies involved in the rubber industry remained on the council until it was dissolved.

Jim Kamsickas, president, CEO and director of Dana Inc., released a statement after Trump announced the council would dissolve.

"At Dana, we are deeply concerned and saddened by the horrific events that occurred in Charlottesville this past weekend. Racism, bigotry, and violence have no place in our society," Kamsickas' statement read.

"As CEO, I will continue to strongly advocate for the important issues of diversity, tolerance, and inclusion."