If you’re expecting to see Apple represented at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland next month, don’t.
One of America’s largest and most popular companies has told Republicans it will not provide funding or other support for the convention due to Donald Trump’s controversial comments about women, immigrants and minorities.
“Not only has Apple declined to support the Republican National Convention, but they’ve explicitly told Republican leaders that Trump’s bigoted rhetoric is the reason that they’re sitting out,” said Rashad Robinson, a spokesman for ColorOfChange PAC. “This is what real corporate responsibility looks like.”
Apple joins Wells Fargo, UPS, Motorola, JP Morgan Chase, Boots Alliance, Walgreens and Ford in declining to sponsor the convention which all did in 2012.
Big corporations typically shy away from backing candidates, but often support conventions to promote their brands and schmooze with state and federal officials. Trump’s comments in recent days questioning the neutrality of a federal judge with Mexican parents has made the decision easier.
“It’s a question of balancing the desire to be present at this convention versus brand association with one figure who is so polarizing,” said Bruce Haynes, a Republican media consultant. “That’s why the decision is so difficult, when otherwise it’s so easy.”
Wal-Mart, Amazon, Xerox, and Adobe Systems, all past sponsors of political conventions, could follow Apple’s lead.
Republican officials say fundraising remains on track for the convention which will cost about $64 million.
Apple has not said whether it will join Wells Fargo in financially supporting only the Democratic National Convention. Facebook, Google, and Microsoft plan to be at both conventions next month.