"Starbucks, Exxon, Apple: Companies Challenging (or Silent on) Trump’s Immigration Ban", 30 Jan 2017

The reaction from major American companies to President Trump’s order on Friday restricting entry to the United States...ranged from silence to outrage. Which company took which position? In large part, it depends on the industry.

Tech: The Voice of the Opposition

Microsoft, Amazon and Expedia have been the most vocal, declaring support for the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, which is suing in federal court to stop...order. Airbnb, Uber, Lyft, Facebook, Google, Apple, Amazon...said...they oppose the ban...

Finance: A More Moderate Response

Wells Fargo said it was “reviewing”...order,...Morgan Stanley said it was “closely monitoring developments"...Citibank said...it was “concerned about the message the... order sends...”,...BlackRock...said: “We...want to...combat terrorism, but...it needs to be done with respect for due process, individual rights and the principle of inclusion.” ...Mr. Blankfein of Goldman Sachs['s] opposition...is...striking because several former executives...have top positions in...Trump administration.

Media and Telecom: ‘No Comment’ Abounds

Comcast, Verizon, Time Warner and AT&T ...had no public comment...Sony, Paramount and Universal, have...been quiet.. Some may fear being attacked by the president... [or] have major deals pending regulatory scrutiny [refers to Bloomberg News, Buzzfeed, Disney, Motion Picture Association of America, The New York Times, 21st Century Fox].

Consumer and Retail: Starbucks Pushes Back

Starbucks...told employees...it would hire 10,000 refugees...Nike also came out strongly against...Coca-Cola [said]: “We do not support this travel ban or any policy that is contrary to our core values...” [R]etail and consumer industry [e]xecutives could face anger from customers who are embracing...Trump’s...ban [refers to Procter & Gamble, Target, Walmart]. 

Energy and Heavy Industries: A Mixed Bag

Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips [,] Marathon [and] Fiat Chrysler did not respond to requests for comment... Ford took the most outspoken stance, coming out against the...order [refers to Chevron, General Motors].