Macy’s will end their business relationship with Donald Trump, the retailer told msnbc Wednesday.
“In light of statements made by Donald Trump, which are inconsistent with Macy’s values, we have decided to discontinue our business relationship with Mr. Trump and will phase-out the Trump menswear collection, which has been sold at Macy’s since 2004,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
Related: ‘Totally accurate’: Trump defends calling Mexican immigrants ‘rapists’
Shortly after Macy’s’ announcement, Trump released a statement saying it was his decision to cut ties.
“I have decided to terminate my relationship with Macy’s because of the pressure being put on them by outside sources. While selling Trump ties and shirts at Macy’s is a small business in terms of dollar volume, my principles are far more important and therefore much more valuable. I have never been happy about the fact that the ties and shirts are made in China, and should I start a new product line somewhere in the future, I would insist that they are made in America. Quite frankly, I was never satisfied with manufacturing my product in China, but because of what they’ve done in terms of devaluing their currency, it is very hard for other companies to compete and make such apparel in the United States. These are the kinds of issues I am committed to addressing. Securing our border, negotiating trade deals that benefit the United States and bringing jobs back to America is my top priority.
I have always said that if you are successful, it is very hard to run for office, especially the office of President. I have also continually stated that I am not beholden to anyone and this includes NBC and Macy’s. Clearly, NBC and Macy’s support illegal immigration, which is totally detrimental to the fabric of our once great country. Both Macy’s and NBC totally caved at the first sight of potential difficulty with special interest groups who are nothing more than professional agitators, who are not looking out for the people they purport to represent, but only for themselves. It is people like this that are actually running our country because our leaders are weak and ineffective.
If elected, I will greatly strengthen our border, making it impenetrable, putting a stop to illegal immigration once and for all. I will bring jobs back to the United States— I will Make America Great Again!”
For all of those who want to #MakeAmericaGreatAgain, boycott @Macys. They are weak on border security & stopping illegal immigration.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 1, 2015Macy’s joins Univision and NBC Universal in severing business ties with the businessman-turned-candidate after he said Mexican immigrants were criminals and “rapists” at his presidential announcement on June 16th.
The offensive comments unleashed a wave of backlash.
NBC Universal and Univision both announced they’d end their business relationship with Trump over the remarks, dropping the broadcast of Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants, and the planned hosts for both the Spanish and English language broadcasts have dropped out.
New York City Mayor Bill deBlasio joined in on Wednesday evening. “We are reviewing Trump contracts with the City. Donald Trump’s remarks were disgusting and offensive, and this hateful language has no place in our city,’ he said in a statement. “Trump’s comments do not represent the values of inclusion and openness that define us as New Yorkers. Our Mexican brothers and sisters make up an essential part of this city’s vibrant and diverse community, and we will continue to celebrate and support New Yorkers of every background.”
Trump – who values his assets at $8.7 billion – isn’t in danger of running out of cash anytime soon, but the controversy signals that his brash, and at times offensive, political statements may hurt the business empire that put him on a national stage in the first place.
Jane Timm