The Trump business backlash: Corporate ‘woke-washing’ or new era?

Dozens of businesses took action against US President Donald Trump and some Republican lawmakers after the US Capitol siege. Does it herald a new era for corporate America?

The press releases and statements hit like a blizzard. Just days after supporters of United States President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol in a deadly attempt to block the certification of election results, many in corporate America made it known they had had enough. Social media platforms banned the president, universities revoked honorary degrees and the Professional Golfers’ Association of America pulled its championship from Trump’s golf course. Banks said they would no longer lend him money, and New York City announced it was cutting business ties with the Trump Organization. More than a dozen companies, meanwhile, suspended political contributions to Republicans who voted against certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. Dozens more froze all of their political donations. One company — Hallmark — asked two lawmakers to give the money they received back.