FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2025
CONTACT:
apr@fenton.com
Dr. Andrea Abrams, executive director of the Defending American Values Coalition, and Eliza Leighton, executive director of the Deliver the American Dream, member organizations of the American Pride Rises Network, issued the following statement in response to Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress.
ATLANTA — Tonight, President Donald Trump delivered his first address to Congress in this administration where he once again spewed baseless and false information about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). These cynical and cowardly attacks are rooted in fear of competition and change, with anti-DEI politicians and activists attacking these fundamental American values that have been about leveling the playing field for people of all backgrounds in our nation for nearly 250 years.
The Trump administration’s chaotic first month in office has been focused on attacking pathways to the American Dream that give all people the freedom and opportunity to thrive in our nation. From attacking our economy, by signing an executive order banning all initiatives promoting DEI in the federal government, to the attempt to undermine the future of our children by attacking the Department of Education, this administration has shown us that their only focus is hoarding opportunity for a select few.
DEI policies and initiatives are essential to ensuring that everyone in our nation can build the life they deserve without fear of barriers standing in their way – from service-disabled veterans rebuilding their lives after bravely serving in our nation’s military to entrepreneurs seeking capital and support to build small businesses that power our nation’s economy. We must protect and defend DEI to ensure that the pathways to opportunity remain open to all and free of obstacles designed to limit success for millions of Americans.
About American Pride Rises:
American Pride Rises (APR) is an initiative committed to protecting pathways to the American Dream by fighting for a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive America for all.