Oxfam America President and CEO pledges to “keep fighting” for a more equal future
In response to the election of President Donald Trump to a second term, Oxfam America President and CEO Abby Maxman released the following statement:
“With the election of President Donald Trump to a second term, today is a difficult day in our fight against inequality. President Trump and his extreme agenda are the embodiment of inequality, fueling the division between the ultrawealthy and the rest of us. His policies create chaos and only serve billionaires and corporations, not working people. His racist, sexist, homophobic and anti-immigrant policies seek to divide and distract us, while he threatens the future of American democracy, trashes the climate and puts all of our safety at risk.
“From his first days in office back in 2017, President Trump launched a blistering series of attacks on refugees, immigrants, the environment, public health, women, workers, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and the middle-class. He deliberately sowed division and incited violence, isolating the U.S. from our allies. He has stoked the rise of white supremacy and authoritarianism while undermining critical international institutions that provide lifesaving support for people in crisis all around the world.
“But President Trump's first term showed that we can harness our collective power when we fight back. We will not be divided by racism or hate. We will not let the progress toward a more equal future be reversed. We can’t - we won’t - back down. The future can still be equal. Oxfam America will keep fighting for it.
“We will work to stop any extension of President Trump’s tax cuts for billionaires and the ultrarich. We’ll organize to protect women’s rights and freedoms and defeat the attacks on gender justice. We’ll work to prevent President Trump’s racist, hateful border policies from terrorizing families and destroying our economy. We’ll speak out for peace around the world, including in Gaza, calling for a full ceasefire, the safe return of hostages and illegally detained Palestinians, full access for humanitarian aid, and in opposition to efforts to extend and expand Israel's occupation and escalating settler violence in Palestinian territory. And we will fight to protect our climate, clean air, and water.
“The future can still be equal. We the people can and must fight for it.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
During the first Trump administration, Oxfam America:
- Called for President Trump’s impeachment in order to dismantle white supremacy, prevent further violence after January 6, and hold him accountable.
- Joined the ACLU and other groups to sue the Trump administration and stop its illegal and racist Muslim Ban.
- Responded to the devastation of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico after the Trump administration’s response failed to save lives or help Puerto Ricans recover.
- Advocated for refugee rights, including by renting President Trump’s childhood home, inviting refugees to gather there to share their experiences, in the face of the administration’s efforts to close our doors to the most marginalized