“You’re fired!” became the rallying cry of Donald Trump’s legendary NBC reality TV show, “The Apprentice.” The billionaire presidential candidate has now been fired himself from many partnerships after a recent speech.
“When Mexico sends its people, they aren’t sending their best,” Mr. Trump stated, “They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime, they’re rapists, and some, I assume, are good people. But I speak to border guards and they tell us what we’re getting.”
Photo courtesy of conservativehideout.com
Due to this statement, many of his business partners have dumped Trump. These companies are some of the nations most powerful and well- recognized, and the list of those firing Mr. Trump is growing, as Macy’s has recently joined NBCUniveral, Univision, Televisa, Farouk Systems, NASCAR, Serta, ESPN, PGA, PVH, Jose Andres, 5 Rabbit Cerveceria, and Ora TV.
Jose Andres, once an immigrant himself, backed out of his agreement to open his Spanish style restaurants for Mr. Trump. Mr. Andres said, “Donald Trump’s recent statements disparaging immigrants make it impossible for my company and I to move forward with opening a successful Spanish restaurant in Trump International’s upcoming hotel in Washington D.C. More than half of my team is Hispanic, as are many of our guests. And, as a proud Spanish immigrant and recently naturalized American citizen myself, I believe that every human being deserves respect, regardless of immigration status.”
Macy’s statement was more community-oriented, “Donald Trump’s remarks were disgusting and offensive, and this hateful language has no place in our city.” It continued, “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 was not cowed when he heard this news, declaring “Macy’s, NBC, Serta and NASCAR have all taken the weak and very sad position of being politically correct, even though they are wrong in terms of what is good for our country.”
Candidates and companies often employ public relations specialists and media trainers to craft messaging and help clients relate to the public. With media training, he would have avoided his rude and racist comments, and perhaps preserved his business ties. Consideration of the audience is an important factor in the messaging process. At READY FOR MEDIA, we explain that audiences listen to WII-FM, What’s In It For Me.
As a spokesperson for a company, a cause or a candidacy, it is also important to note that personal opinions are not relevant. In learning to be a political candidate, one should consider whether to sacrifice political correctness for a popularity contest.