White Home press secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned Friday it might be “ridiculous” to suppose President Trump is personally benefiting from his time on the White Home, calling out reporters for questions on his household’s enterprise ventures whereas in workplace.
Forward of Trump’s journey to the Center East subsequent week, Leavitt pushed again on questioning over whether or not any members of the family are becoming a member of him and if the president has any plans to satisfy with folks concerned with the household companies whereas within the area.
“Not to my knowledge, and let me just get to the premise of your question that both of you have raised. I think it’s frankly ridiculous that anyone in this room would even suggest that President Trump is doing anything for his own benefit. He left a life of luxury and a life of running a very successful real estate empire for public service, not just once, but twice,” she mentioned.
Trump and his household have a number of enterprise ventures within the Center East.
The Trump Group, which is run by the president’s son Eric Trump, lately agreed to a brand new Center East golf course and actual property deal final month forward of the president’s journey subsequent week. President Trump is ready to go to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Leavitt insisted that the president, whose internet price has been estimated by Forbes to be within the billions, has misplaced cash since being in workplace and pressed reporters on why the Biden administration didn’t get questioned on whether or not former President Biden was getting cash as president.
“The American public reelected [Trump] back to this White House because they trust he acts in the best interest of our country and putting the American public first. This is a president who has actually lost money for being president of the United States,” Leavitt mentioned.
“I don’t remember these same type of questions being asked of my predecessor about a career politician who was clearly profiting all of this office. That is not what President Trump does, and this White House holds ourselves to the highest of ethical standards.”
The primary query throughout Friday’s briefing was about Trump’s plans to attend a dinner subsequent month with the highest holders of his meme coin, which was unveiled shortly earlier than he took workplace in January.
Leavitt insisted Trump attending the dinner is just not a battle of curiosity.
“The president is abiding by all conflict-of-interest laws. The president has been incredibly transparent with his own personal financial obligations throughout the years. The president is a successful businessman and I think, frankly, it’s one of the many reasons that people reelected him back to this office,” Leavitt mentioned.
The reporter then pressed Leavitt on whether or not buyers who suppose shopping for the coin is a technique to affect the president’s views are losing their cash.
“I can assure you, the president acts with only the interest of the American public in mind, putting our country first in doing what’s best for our country. Full stop,” Leavitt mentioned.
The occasion, scheduled for Might 22 at Trump’s golf membership close to Washington, is touted as a chance to listen to “firsthand” from Trump about the way forward for cryptocurrency. The highest 25 holders may even obtain an invite to an “exclusive” reception with the president and a “special” White Home tour.
