Speaking Monday night to thousands of Boy Scouts at the National Scout Jamboree in West Virginia, President Trump asked early in his remarks: “Who the hell wants to speak about politics in front of Boy Scouts?”
Evidently, Donald Trump does. Flanked by Energy Secretary and Eagle Scout Ricky Perry and Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price, Trump addressed some of his favorite subjects, including fake news, winning, his 2016 election, and the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. The atmosphere appeared similar to a vintage Trump campaign rally, complete with an enthusiastic crowd and chants of “USA.” (There was, fortunately, no “lock her up” routine.)
The speech also provoked criticism for bucking the long tradition of U.S. presidents avoiding politics when speaking to Boy Scouts. The Irving-based organization responded this morning with a statement distancing itself from partisan politics.
JUST IN: Boy Scouts release statement after backlash to President Trump's speech at national jamboree pic.twitter.com/ECus8BLHgB
— NBC News (@NBCNews) July 25, 2017
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the former Exxon CEO and former president of the Boy Scouts of America, addressed the group on Friday in less controversial fashion. Perhaps he has read the Boy Scouts’ policy on participation in political events:
Uniformed unit members or leaders may participate in flag ceremonies at political events and may lead Pledge of Allegiance; however, they should retire after the ceremony and NOT remain on the speakers’ platform or in a conspicuous location where television viewers could construe their presence as an endorsement or symbol of support.
In addition, photos of candidates or Scouts in uniform or BSA marks and logos are NOT allowed in political materials of any kind.
The Boy Scouts of America does not endorse any political candidate. Care must be taken to not make implications that we do.
And, it should be said, Trump did pepper his campaign-style speech with the more usual fare paying tribute to the Boy Scouts values of service, preparedness, and go-get-em-itude. His full remarks are below.
