#DeleteUber Campaign Goes Viral Amid Nationwide Anti-Travel Ban Protests

Uber came under fire after it offered users cheaper rides out of JFK amid protests of Trump's executive order on immigration.

Image via WikiCommons
WikiCommons

Image via WikiCommons

Image via WikiCommons

Lyft is about to get a major influx of business after hundreds of users deleted their Uber apps Saturday amid nationwide protests. Donald Trumps’ controversial executive order, which was signed Friday, bans travelers and refugees from seven predominantly Muslim countries. The ride sharing giant came under fire after it offered users cheaper rides out of JFK airport following the New York Taxi Workers Alliance's announcement of an hour-long freeze on all taxi rides in and out of the airport in support of the protesters.

Critics accused Uber of “Strikebreaking,” and by Saturday evening, #DeleteUber was the number one trending topic in the country. Uber subscribers shared screen grabs in which they can be seen deleting the popular app.

Uber CEO Travis Kalanick—who’s already been criticized after agreeing to serve on President Trump’s Strategic and Policy Forum—said that he will discuss the ban with the President at their next meeting.

Uber caught wind of the backlash and posted the following: 

The 40-year-old CEO also promised to compensate Uber drivers who have been affected by Trump’s executive order. “We are working out a process to identify these drivers and compensate them pro bono during the next three months to help mitigate some of the financial stress and complications with supporting their families and putting food on the table,” Kalanick explained. “We will have more details on this in the coming days.”

In a new post on Facebook, Kalanick vowed to set up a $3 million legal fund for affected drivers, as well as other promises.

Lyft meanwhile, has condemned Trump's actions and donated $1 million to the (American Civil Liberties Union​) ACLU.

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