Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) boss Tim Cook has joined the chorus of those condemning Donald Trump’s response to the white supremacist hate rally over the weekend.
In an email to staff, obtained by Buzzfeed, Cook wrote: “Hate is a cancer, and left unchecked it destroys everything in its path. Its scars last generations. History has taught us this time and time again, both in the United States and countries around the world.”
“I disagree with the president and others who believe that there is a moral equivalence between white supremacists and Nazis, and those who oppose them by standing up for human rights.
“We must not witness or permit such hate and bigotry in our country, and we must be unequivocal about it. This is not about the left or the right, conservative or liberal.”
He added that “in the wake of the tragic and repulsive events in Charlottesville, we are stepping up to help organisations who work to rid our country of hate”.
Apple will donate $1 million to the Anti-Defamation League and a further $1 million to the Southern Poverty Law Center. Cook said that until 30 September, Apple will also match two-for-one donations from staff to these or other chosen human rights charities.
Trump’s comments, where he refused to condemn white supremacists and Neo-Nazi’s, have sparked controversy worldwide and has led to a number of CEOs resigning from Trump’s business advisory councils in protest.
Yesterday, Theresa May was among many UK MPs and Ministers to condemn the President’s comments.
“I see no equivalence between those who propound fascist views and those who oppose them. I think it is important for all those in positions of responsibility to condemn far-right views wherever we hear them,” she said, speaking in Portsmouth.
Boss of JP Morgan also released a statement, saying he strongly disagreed with the President’s recent comments.
“Constructive economic and regulatory policies are not enough and will not matter if we do not address the divisions in our country. It is a leader’s role, in business or government, to bring people together, not tear them apart,” said Jamie Dimon.