Tech Companies Must Speak Out Against President Trump’s Actions

The author urges tech companies to publicly condemn President Trump’s actions, particularly the executive order on immigration, which is viewed as a Muslim ban. He argues that tech companies have a responsibility to speak out against policies that are harmful to immigrants and violate basic rights. He calls for action from the tech community, arguing that silence will be interpreted as acceptance.

President Trump’s Actions Are Objectionable

The author highlights several objectionable actions taken by President Trump’s administration, including the executive order on immigration and the use of unsubstantiated conspiracy theories to delegitimize opponents.

• He argues that President Trump’s rhetoric and actions are damaging to our society and contribute to a climate of fear and division.
• He cites President Trump’s repeated invocation of unsubstantiated conspiracy theories, such as the 3 million illegal votes, as evidence of his efforts to undermine democratic norms.

The Executive Order on Immigration is a Muslim Ban

The author believes that President Trump’s executive order on immigration, titled “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States,” is a thinly veiled Muslim ban.

• He argues that targeting a specific religious group is discriminatory and ineffective.
• He expresses concern about the precedent of invalidating already-issued visas and green cards, emphasizing that this action is not just a Muslim ban but a breach of America’s contract with all immigrants.

The Tech Community Must Take Action

The author believes that the tech community has a responsibility to speak out against President Trump’s actions.

• He argues that tech companies have significant power and influence and can make a difference by publicly condemning President Trump’s policies.
• He acknowledges that there may be business risks involved, but he emphasizes that the tech community will be stronger if it acts together.

Tech Employees Have Leverage

The author suggests that tech employees can leverage their position to push their companies to take a stand against President Trump’s policies.

• He emphasizes that tech companies go to great lengths to recruit and retain employees, giving employees significant leverage.
• He encourages employees to push their companies to take action, arguing that they will likely have to respond if their employees demand it.

The Importance of Public Stances

The author argues that it is not enough for tech companies to simply take a public stance; they should also identify concrete actions they can take to oppose President Trump’s policies.

• He suggests that tech companies should organize meetings and discussions to brainstorm solutions.
• He emphasizes that individual employees should think about their own lines in the sand and be prepared to act if President Trump takes further actions that they find unacceptable.

The Need to Resist Complicity

The author argues that anyone who remains silent or complicit in President Trump’s actions will have to explain their actions for the rest of their lives.

• He emphasizes that many members of the Republican party, including Paul Ryan, Mike Pence, Kevin McCarthy, and James Mattis, have expressed opposition to President Trump’s Muslim ban.
• He urges those in positions of power to take a stand against President Trump’s policies and to hold him accountable for his actions.

The Urgent Need for Action

The author stresses the urgency of speaking out against President Trump’s policies.

• He argues that these are historic times and that the consequences of inaction will be felt for generations to come.
• He points to Kellyanne Conway’s statement that President Trump is “just getting started” as a warning that more controversial actions are likely to come.
• He urges the tech community and all Americans to take a stand now before it’s too late.