Duval Times

John Deere, the world’s largest tractor manufacturer, has recently faced public backlash and responded by ending several Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. Concurrently, the company has laid off 2,000 American workers as it shifts production from the United States to Mexico.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) addressed these developments in a letter to John Deere Chairman and CEO John May. Rubio emphasized the importance of prioritizing American workers and their families.

“America needs a strong manufacturing sector to build the tractors, combines, and other implements that make our country’s agricultural self-sufficiency and leadership possible. American corporations, like John Deere, have a duty to their workers, nation, customers, and shareholders,” Rubio stated.

The full text of Rubio's letter is provided below:

Dear Mr. May:

John Deere is an iconic American brand beloved for generations by farmers, ranchers, builders, and hardworking Americans of all stripes. Out of a desire to preserve John Deere’s deep connection to the American people, I write to remind you of your company’s duty to your workers, their families, the communities in which they live, the nation which you call home, your hardworking customers, and your shareholders. While I was encouraged by John Deere’s July 16 statement announcing the rollback of many divisive and counter-productive “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” (DEI) policies," I am concerned by recent reports that John Deere has engaged in mass layoffs of American workers at your facilities in Illinois and Iowa while simultaneously shifting manufacturing to Mexico."

"John Deere was correct to roll back some of its divisive DEI policies and programs," Rubio continued. "These initiatives did not meaningfully improve your employees’ wages benefits or skills; they actively undermined your company’s trust with its customers."

Rubio also highlighted financial decisions made by John Deere: "Since November 2023 John Deere has laid off a staggering 15 percent of its wage workers in the United States." He noted that more than 2 000 American workers have been laid off in the past year alone while John Deere managed to find $7.2 billion in its budget for stock buybacks last year—an average of $3.6 million per worker laid off."

Rubio concluded his letter urging for recommitment: "American corporations like John Deere have a duty to their workers nation customers and shareholders... I hope that John Deere recommits to its American workers and the families that depend on them."

Sincerely,

Marco Rubio