Uber CEO Travis Kalanick is quitting President Donald Trump's economic advisory group in wake of backlash the San Francisco-based company has received following the controversial executive order Trump signed last month, temporarily banning travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S.
Kalanick confirmed his departure from the council in a memo to Uber employees obtained by CNN.
"Earlier today I spoke briefly with the president about the immigration executive order and its issues for our community. I also let him know that I would not be able to participate on his economic council. Joining the group was not meant to be an endorsement of the president or his agenda but unfortunately it has been misinterpreted to be exactly that."
In the memo, Kalanick went on to say that staying on the council would get in the way of advocating for changes in immigration policy.
"The executive order is hurting many people in communities all across America. Families are being separated, people are stranded overseas and there's a growing fear the U.S. is no longer a place that welcomes immigrants," wrote Kalanick.
The group of business leaders is scheduled to have its first meeting at the White House on Friday. However, in addition to Kalanick, Disney CEO Bob Iger will be missing, according to Variety.
Iger reportedly had a board meeting that will keep him from attending.
[READMORE] READ MORE: Uber Catches Flack for Giving Rides During JFK Airport Travel Ban-Related Taxi Strike [/READMORE]
Kalanick's decision comes less than one week after the hashtag #DeleteUber began trending on social media.
Users became upset Saturday when the ride-hailing service lifted surge pricing and continued to offer rides to and from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport during a planned strike by a local taxi workers union in protest of the travel ban.
Angry social media users also pointed out Kalanick's position on Trump's economic council as a reason to boycott the popular app. Kalanick originally responded by saying he would use his position on the council to stand up for what's right.
It remains to be seen whether Kalanick's decision to cut ties with the president will lure upset travelers back to Uber.
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