WASHINGTON — Corporate brands have waded into fraught political territory during the first two years of the Trump presidency — clashing with the president and his allies on polarizing issues such as gun ownership and immigration. Companies are increasingly taking stances on social and political issues important to their employees, customers and the broader public, even if it riles others. With the standoff over the federal government shutdown, this more emboldened public posture by companies is again on display.
President Donald Trump faced a backlash from major businesses soon after he took office. More than 100 technology companies, including Apple and Google, opposed the president’s initial travel ban, endorsing a lawsuit that sought to block Trump’s executive order on immigration from certain countries. The tech companies argued that banning citizens of seven Muslim-majority nations from entering the United States violated immigration laws and the Constitution.
Companies also took action after the Parkland, Fla., school massacre elevated the debate over federal gun-control law. The chief executive of Dick’s Sporting Goods announced that the store would no longer sell assault weapons, high-capacity magazines or guns to customers under age 21. Walmart also raised the minimum age for purchasing guns and ammunition. And other companies changed their policies in the midst of the political firestorm, including several airlines that ended discounts and perks to members of the National Rifle Association.
Now, as the longest government shutdown in U.S. history continues, 800,000 federal workers are left without paychecks, affecting the work of dozens of federal agencies. While the White House and Congress have not made progress in ending the standoff, companies are stepping into the fray through advocacy, charity and potent Twitter trolling.