Trump promised to deviate from the Beltway status quo. Forget taking a salary or spending all of his time in Washington, Trump announced months ago he’d do neither.
In his first interview with 60 Minutes, Trump said:
“Well, I’ve never commented on this, but the answer is no,” Trump said. “I think I have to by law take $1, so I’ll take $1 a year. But it’s a — I don’t even know what it is.”Stahl reminded the president-elect, “[That’s] $400,000 you’re giving up.”Again, Trump answered, “No, I’m not gonna take the salary. I’m not taking it.”
Later, Trump was asked again during a Twitter Q&A if he’d donate his salary. Again, he reiterated he would take no salary.
During Monday’s White House press briefing, Press Secretary Sean Spicer was asked, “if President Trump had donated his paycheck from February like he promised during the campaign.”
Spicer said, “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 determine where that goes. The way that we can avoid scrutiny it to let the press corps determine where it should go.” And the press corps laughed. “In all seriousness,” Spicer continued, “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.”
Presidents JFK and Hoover also donated their salaries to charity.
Follow Kemberlee on Twitter @kemberleekaye
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY