Intel CEO Brian Krzanich announced his resignation from President Trump’s American Manufacturing Council, the third corporate leader to do so this week.
In an official blog post late Monday, Krzanich said his decision had to do with his concerns about the direction of U.S. politics.
"I resigned to call attention to the serious harm our divided political climate is causing to critical issues, including the serious need to address the decline of American manufacturing. Politics and political agendas have sidelined the important mission of rebuilding America’s manufacturing base,” he explained.
“I have already made clear my abhorrence at the recent hate-spawned violence in Charlottesville, and earlier today I called on all leaders to condemn the white supremacists and their ilk who marched and committed violence. I resigned because I want to make progress, while many in Washington seem more concerned with attacking anyone who disagrees with them. We should honor – not attack – those who have stood up for equality and other cherished American values. I hope this will change, and I remain willing to serve when it does.”
The Intel CEO went on to lament how “nearly every issue” has now become politicized—even American manufacturing.
“My request—my plea—to everyone involved in our political system is this: set scoring political points aside and focus on what is best for the nation as a whole,” he said. “The current environment must change, or else our nation will become a shadow of what it once was and what it still can and should be.”
Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank and Merck CEO Ken Frazier also announced their resignations from the Manufacturing Council this week.