Kathrine Frich
His aide slowly shook her head and visibly mouthed the word “no” in response to his demand for the cash.
When politicians gather for official ceremonies, the speeches usually stick to a tight script.
But off-the-cuff remarks can easily derail the most formal events in front of the cameras.
A recent bill signing quickly turned into a very different conversation.
Supporting military families
President Donald Trump hosted an event in the Oval Office on Monday to establish a brand new advisory panel. The executive order officially created the President’s Military Spouse Commission.
The group aims to improve support for military families. Jennifer Rauchet will chair the commission, while Desiree Thompson Sayle will step in as the executive director.
Sayle previously served as a presidential aide during his first term. After she delivered a few remarks about their new mission, the president decided to share a story about their shared working history.
Millions in small money
According to a report by Huffpost the president detailed how Sayle used to handle items mailed in by the public. Supporters frequently send packages to the White House.
“We have Desiree, who’s been with us for a long time,” Trump told the room. He noted that people regularly mail in gifts and cash.
“Actually, it amounts to millions of dollars in small money,” the president explained. He then recalled asking his staff what ultimately happens to all those public donations.
Demanding the cash
Trump quoted his team as saying they either send the money back or use it for charitable work. That answer apparently did not sit well with him.
“It’s literally millions. They send it to me! I should be able to get it!” Trump announced to the crowd.
The people in the room laughed at the comment. However, the executive director standing right behind the president had a very different physical reaction to his claim.
A silent rejection
Sayle slowly shook her head and visibly mouthed the word “no” in response to his demand for the cash. Trump quickly noticed her strict refusal and pointed it out.
Throwing his hands up in the air, he complained to the audience. “She won’t give it to me. I should be entitled to it,” Trump said.
He eventually clarified that he was only kidding about feeling entitled to the public gifts. To wrap up the exchange, he coaxed his former aide into agreeing that he was better than Joe Biden.
Sources: HuffPost
