Trump disbands manufacturing council as UTC chief executive, among others, resigns

President Trump today said he would disband his manufacturing council, which included several chief executives overseeing defense portfolios, following multiple resignations.

Among those to resign was Greg Hayes, chief executive of United Technologies, which includes Pratt & Whitney. In a statement tweeted by the company, Hayes said UTC supports the goals of the White House's advisory committees.

However, "it is clear that we need to collectively stand together and denounce the politics of hate, intolerance and racism."

"The values that are the cornerstone of our culture: tolerance, diversity, empathy and trust, must be reaffirmed by our actions every day," he continued. "Accordingly, I have tendered my resignation from the Council effective today."

Hayes' announcement was posted at almost the same time President Trump tweeted the manufacturing council, as well as the strategy and policy forum, would not continue.

"Rather than putting pressure on the businesspeople of the Manufacturing Council & Strategy & Policy Forum, I am ending both. Thank you all!" Trump said.

Also on the manufacturing council were Bill Brown of Harris, Marillyn Hewson of Lockheed Martin and Dennis Muilenburg of Boeing.

In a statement, Boeing said it "fully supported the purpose and mission of the manufacturing council, and we will continue to advocate for government policies and actions that support U.S. manufacturing jobs, improve America’s global competitiveness, and spur economic growth and prosperity for the country.

"We also remain firmly committed to the core values upon which our company and country were built, including equality and respect for all people," the company continued.