D.E.I. Comes and Goes. Profits Are Forever.
The New York Times
An awkward truth has become evident in the first days of the Trump administration, as many firms mute their commitments to diversity and sustainability.
A prominent group of chief executives said almost six years ago that making profits for shareholders was only part of their business — and not necessarily the main part.
Speaking collectively as the Business Roundtable, C.E.O.s from companies like Johnson & Johnson, FedEx, Wells Fargo and Amazon said that, really, they were devoted to serving employees and customers, protecting the environment and treating suppliers ethically.
Thank you, I wrote in a column back then. And may I sell you a bridge?
Now that many companies are muting their commitments to programs embracing diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as to environmental sustainability, I can’t say I’m shocked.
The Trump administration has declared D.E.I. to be “illegal” and “immoral.” It has derided efforts to ensure “sustainability” and stave off climate change as misguided undertakings that are only weakening America. Faced with the administration’s threats of litigation and investigation, corporate America is, to a large extent, bending with the political wind. My colleagues, here and at other news organizations, have been documenting the retreat on these issues by countless companies, including Target, Meta, Google, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, BlackRock and Vanguard.
The spectacle of corporations changing their posture in waves, like groves of saplings in a storm, may seem startling.
Existing American tariffs already restrict steel and aluminum shipments from China, which is now flooding other markets with its exports instead.
The president’s heavy-handed approach to traditional journalists has the hallmarks of an attempted crackdown 50 years ago.
Other big technology companies have been boisterous in their courtship of the new administration. But Nvidia and Microsoft have avoided the Washington spotlight.
After the arrival of a less costly A.I. model from China, U.S. markets and academics are wrestling with the ultimate economic value of the technology.
Dallas built its team’s identity around Luka Doncic, on the court and off. Now that he’s gone, some supporters no longer feel a connection to the franchise.
The employment data is forecast to show a strong labor market on the eve of the transition to the administration of President Trump.
The canal’s two biggest ports are operated by a Hong Kong company with global reach. The Trump administration sees a Chinese threat to U.S. security.
The distinctive domed building, turning 50 this year, is known for hosting the Super Bowl, but to locals, it’s also “the city’s living room.”
Black-owned brands got a foot in the door through accelerator programs at big retailers like Target and Amazon. Now they worry the door might be closing.
The trade deficit has long drawn the president’s ire. Now, he’s preparing to take it on again.
American companies intent on making goods in the United States are fretting over the impact of tariffs on their access to parts and raw materials.
A growing number of countries, including American allies, are striking trade deals as the Trump administration erects a higher fence around its global commerce.
The invoking of national security to unravel trade agreements could scramble the international trading system in China’s favor.