Adidas Rebukes Trump's Muslim Ban

Adidas condemns President Trump's Muslim ban executive order in statement.

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Adidas

Image via Adidas

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Adidas is the latest sportswear company to come out against President Trump's controversial move to close American borders to refugees and immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries. In the wake of Trump's executive order, Adidas sent a company-wide email to all employees denouncing the decision. The email was signed by Adidas execs like CEO Kasper Rorsted and Eric Liedtke, director of global brands.

A more public-facing statement from Adidas largely reflects the contents of the email, condemning the executive order.

"Our company is built on the core belief that 'Through sport, we have the power to change lives.' Sport has shown in the past and will show over and over again in the future that it can bring people together from all over the ​world—regardless of their nationality, gender, age, religion or sexual orientation," said Adidas spokesperson Lauren Lamkin on Monday. "We at Adidas are proud to bring this positive power of sport to life every day at work and we cherish the diverse, international workforce we have around the globe. Some companies have already voiced their concerns about this decision and we join them in their call for an open and diverse society and culture in the U.S. and around the globe. It goes without saying that our commitment to the U.S. market and our people in America remains unchanged despite this current political climate."

The language in the email sent to employees is stronger, asserting that Adidas is "surprised and saddened by the U.S. president's executive order restricting immigration from several Muslim-majority countries" and that the move is "the wrong signal to send to the world." The email also offers support to any employees affected by the order.

The brand's speaking out against President Trump is somewhat ironic given the support lent to him by top Adidas collaborator Kanye West.

Nike issued a similar statement on the executive order over the weekend, with CEO Mark Parker taking a stand "against bigotry and any form of discrimination."