Under Armour joins chorus against the Trump travel ban

Under Armour, facing criticism over comments about President Donald J. Trump by its CEO, issued a statement calling immigration “a source of strength” and saying it opposes the administration’s travel ban, while emphasizing its push to raise American manufacturing capacity.

“These are not new or revised values,” said the statement issued early Friday morning by the Baltimore-based athletic apparel brand. “This is what we believe. Under Armour and Kevin Plank are for job creation and American manufacturing capabilities. We believe building should be focused on much needed education, transportation, technology and urban infrastructure investment.”

The statement continued: “We are against a travel ban and believe that immigration is a source of strength, diversity and innovation for global companies based in America like Under Armour.”

With the statement, Under Armour lends its voice to a chorus of companies and others who object to Trump’s executive order temporarily banning travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries. A federal appeals court sustained a freeze on the order pending further judicial review.

The statement was Under Armour’s second since CEO Kevin Plank, in an interview on CNBC’s “Halftime Report,” said Trump “wants to make bold decisions and be decisive” and that having “such a pro-business president is something that’s a real asset to this country.”

Several Under Armour endorsers — including NBA star Stephen Curry, ballerina Misty Copeland and actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson — have taken issue with Plank’s comments.

Under Armour initially stressed the company’s desire for fair trade, tax reform and an “inclusive immigration policy that welcomes the best and the brightest and those seeking opportunity in the great tradition of our country.”