ACLU Chief Calls Out CEOs for Avoiding Tough Political Talk

Anthony Romero, the 61‑year‑old chief of the American Civil Liberties Union since 2001, has a message for corporate executives: stop ducking the hard issues.

Speaking from his New York office with a view of the Statue of Liberty, Romero said, This is not a church. Prayer is not enough. You have to have a plan. He contrasted his role—answering to members rather than shareholders—with that of CEOs, whom he believes also have a duty to protect democratic institutions.

Romero pointed to the tech billionaires who funded the ACLU during President Trump’s first term but have not written checks this time around. He also referenced the broader business climate, noting that many leaders have been reluctant to voice opinions during Trump’s second term, a period marked by tariffs, immigration raids, and legal settlements that “many experts said were winnable.”

The ACLU’s finances reflect the political ebb and flow. Revenue more than doubled in the 2016 presidential campaign compared with the prior fiscal year, declined during the Biden administration, and rose again in the lead‑up to Trump’s return to the White House—though the increase was only about half the speed of the earlier surge.

Romero oversees roughly 2,100 employees and manages “more than $550 million in contributions.” He emphasized that, despite the organization’s size, it must remain selective about the cases it pursues.

While the ACLU continues its litigation and advocacy, Romero’s call is simple: corporate leaders should step out of the shadows and address the “hard issues” that affect the nation’s democratic health.