Even when it sides with the right, big government suppresses both freedom and economic growth.
Many big-name companies this summer have scrapped their diversity, equity and inclusion policies. The manufacturer of Jack Daniel’s whiskey announced it will end its DEI initiatives, saying, “the world has evolved.” Harley-Davidson similarly dropped its DEI policies, saying it will focus on “retaining our loyal riding community.” Tractor Supply said it’s eliminating its DEI roles. “We have heard from customers that we have disappointed them,” the company said.
Companies are also getting pushback from shareholders on their environmental, social and governance policies. A report from shareholder consulting firm Georgeson found that investors submitted more anti-ESG proposals at annual shareholder meetings between July 2023 and May 2024 than in any previous year.
Pensioners are pushing back, too. Employees of American Airlines have filed a class-action lawsuit against the airline, alleging it mismanaged employees’ 401(k)s by loading their accounts up with ESG investments.
Conservatives were slow to recognize how deeply the left had burrowed into corporate human-resources departments and C-suites, but they’re clearly making up for lost time. Consumers and shareholders are showing that they’re willing and able to defend their values with cash, credit cards and investments.
