Atlanta Business Leaders Back Mayor’s Move Defying Trump on DEI

Atlanta business leaders are backing Mayor Andre Dickens’ decision to give up tens of millions of dollars in federal airport funding rather than dismantle diversity programs, deepening a clash with the Trump administration that is spreading to cities nationwide.

Katie Kirkpatrick, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, said in an interview that the city shouldn’t compromise on long-standing efforts to expand opportunities for minority-owned businesses at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest air hub in the world by passenger traffic — even if it means losing federal support.