Back in November of 2016, newly elected President Donald Trump said that he would not be taking the $400,000 a year presidential salary. His reason for doing so being that he’s already a wealthy man. How wealthy? According to Forbes, Donald Trump is worth a whopping $3.7 billion.
Makes sense; $400,000 means nothing for a man of that worth. But it would certainly mean a lot to nonprofits and charities that are working towards the greater good. And that’s precisely why Trump plans to donate his salary to these organizations.
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer made the announcement this past Tuesday. During a press briefing, Spicer told reporters that the president would donate all of his federal earnings come the end of 2017. But that’s not all. Spicer also had a very unusual—and very unexpected—request of the press.
“The president’s intention right now is to donate his salary at the end of the year, and he has kindly asked that you all help determine where that goes. The way that we can avoid scrutiny is to let the press corps determine where it should go,” Spicer said to a room full of chuckles.
Yep, you read that right. Trump wants the press to help decide where that money goes. Remember that old adage about being careful what you wish for?
Well, the press already has a couple of ideas in mind, one of which is for Mr. Trump to donate to The Committee to Protect Journalists—a world-wide campaign dedicated to advocating for freedom of the press. Other reporters have suggested that the president fund a journalism scholarship.
The overall reaction surrounding the announcement has been quite humorous. But Spicer wants to remind the public that President Trump is indeed committed to his promise.
“In all seriousness, I think his view is he made a pledge to the American people he wants to donate it to charity and he’d love your help to determine where it should go.”