The network headed by top conservative donors Charles and David Koch came out against President Trump’s executive order banning travel from seven countries which feature Muslim-laden populations.
Brian Hooks, the co-chairman of the Seminar Network and president of the Charles Koch Foundation, said in a statement Sunday that the move is the “wrong approach” to the issue and will “likely be counterproductive.”
“We believe it is possible to keep Americans safe without excluding people who wish to come here to contribute and pursue a better life for their families,” Hooks said in a statement. “The travel ban is wrong approach and will likely be counterproductive.”
“Our country has benefited tremendously from a history of welcoming people from all cultures and backgrounds,” he said. “This is a hallmark of free and open societies.”
The remark from the Koch network is only the latest sign of opposition from the right side of the aisle. Multiple Republican lawmakers have come out against the move, including Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., who argued that the move is “too broad.”
In an interview on CNN Sunday morning, Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, said that the plan wasn’t vetted enough before it was announced on Saturday. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., also came out against the order, calling for a “clear-eyed view” on the situation.
