FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 5, 2025

AAAFund Responds to President Trump's Address to Congress

Washington, D.C. - Today, Albert Shen, Executive Director of AAAFund, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s address to Congress:

“AAAFund unequivocally condemns President Donald Trump's recent address to Congress, a speech laden with hypocrisy, misinformation, and policies that threaten the well-being of all Americans, particularly AANHPI communities. His administration's agenda is steering our nation toward economic hardship and social injustice, disproportionately affecting working-class families across all backgrounds.”

On the impact of Trump’s proposed policies on AANHPI communities and small businesses, Shen responds saying, “President Trump’s reckless tariffs, elimination of crucial federal programs, and attacks on civil servants will force many of our community’s small businesses to close their doors, devastating local economies. We refuse to stand by while an administration dismantles everything we’ve fought for. The AANHPI community must rise, organize, and vote to protect our future and ensure that our voices are heard."

A Call To Action

The trajectory of the current administration is unmistakably aimed at consolidating power and dismantling democratic checks and balances. The AANHPI community, alongside all defenders of democracy, must rise in unison to counter this authoritarian drift from:

Dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives

The President's eradication of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the federal government is a direct assault on efforts to promote fairness and representation. For decades, AANHPI nonprofits have worked to close disparities in economic opportunity, workforce development, healthcare access, and small business growth. The elimination of DEI initiatives has caused financial strain on these organizations, limiting their ability to provide resources and outreach to AANHPI communities in need.

Undermining Support for AANHPI Communities and Small Businesses

The dissolution of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) is a blatant disregard for the unique challenges faced by these communities. Established to address issues such as language barriers, health disparities, and economic inequities, including support for small business policy advocacy, the Initiative's termination leaves AANHPI populations without critical federal support and advocacy.

Assault on Federal Civil Servants and Democratic Institutions

The President's commendation of Elon Musk for his role in the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is a thinly veiled attack on federal career civil servants who have dedicated their lives to serving the public, including the AANHPI community. This move undermines the integrity of our civil service, paving the way for cronyism and authoritarian control. Furthermore, President Trump's declaration of making English the official language and his eradication of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies are direct affronts to the multicultural essence of our nation.

“The upcoming midterm elections are a pivotal juncture. It is imperative to elect leaders who will hold this administration accountable, safeguard democratic institutions, and advocate for policies that promote equity and justice. The AAAFund urges all members of the AANHPI community to mobilize, vote, and support Democratic candidates committed to restoring the principles upon which our nation was founded,” said Shen.


** About the Asian American Action Fund
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The Asian American Action Fund works through a holistic approach of expanding the Democratically-aligned AANHPI voter base while helping the Democratic Party understand our political community. We recognize the need to build up local AANHPI support for Democrats, mature and finance the pipeline of AANHPI candidates, political operatives, and organizers, and elect Democratically-aligned AANHPIs and allies to federal office.

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