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Goodyear CEO issues statement on controversial presentation that led to President Trump's call for boycott

Rich Kramer released the statement saying he wanted to clarify the company's position.

AKRON, Ohio — On Thursday, Goodyear CEO Rich Kramer issued a statement on the controversial presentation slide that led to President Donald Trump calling for a boycott of the company.

The call for the boycott came after it was reported that the company told employees they couldn't wear "Make America Great Again" or "Blue Lives Matter" attire.  

In a statement released Thursday, Kramer addressed the reports and clarified the company's position saying, "the slide was not approved or distributed by Goodyear corporate or anyone outside of that facility." 

The visual was created by an employee at the company's Topeka factory in an effort to explain what is acceptable to wear in the work place, Kramer explains.

The company said it has a longstanding policy that request employees "refrain form workplace expressions in support of any candidate or political party."

"Goodyear does don't endorse any political organization, party or candidate," Kramer continued.

When asked point blank, during a press briefing Wednesday, if people should boycott Goodyear, Trump responded, "I don't know. It's up to people whether they buy Goodyear, but I wouldn't recommend it."  

Employees of the Akron-based rubber and tire company held a rally Thursday morning in response to President's call to boycott their products.

Credit: Brandon Simmons, 3News

Workers from United Steelworkers Local 2 hosted the event at their headquarters on Kelly Avenue. U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan was in attendance, along with Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes and State Rep. Tavia Galonski (all Democrats).

" The core of our company is is our people and our culture. Goodyear has always supported both law enforcement and equal justice. We will always do so," the relase from the Goodyear CEO continued. 

   

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