BALTIMORE – Under Armour founder Kevin Plank responded Wednesday to criticism sparked by his comments last week about President Donald Trump, addressing the company's hometown of Baltimore to stress personal and brand values such as diversity, equal rights and opportunity.
Plank penned an open letter to the city that appeared as a full-page advertisement in the Baltimore Sun.
"In a business television interview last week, I answered a question with a choice of words that did not accurately reflect my intent," wrote Plank, company chairman and CEO. "I want to clarify for our hometown exactly the values for which Under Armour and I stand."
In the interview a week ago on CNBC, Plank praised the president's pro-business philosophy, saying 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. People should grab that opportunity."
Plank sits with other business executives on a manufacturing advisory panel assembled by Trump that is working to develop ways to support American manufacturing.
"I personally believe that immigration is the foundation of our country's exceptionalism," Plank said in the letter.
The letter made no mention of Trump as Plank instead wrote of his own values and those of the company.
"We are always mindful of the responsibility that we have to those who choose our brand, especially the young people who represent the bold and bright future of a diverse and inclusive America," Plank said. "In a time of division, we aspire to be a force of unity, growth and optimism for our city and our country."
