An ethics watchdog flagged a tweet from President Donald Trump that appeared to threaten Starbucks over a possible political challenge from its former CEO.
Trump responded in his customary form to media coverage of Howard Schultz considering a presidential campaign as an independent.
"Howard Schultz doesn’t have the 'guts' to run for President!" Trump tweeted Monday morning. "Watched him on @60Minutes last night and I agree with him that he is not the 'smartest person.' Besides, America already has that! I only hope that Starbucks is still paying me their rent in Trump Tower!"
Howard Schultz doesn’t have the “guts” to run for President! Watched him on @60Minutes last night and I agree with… https://t.co/aSYufhX25J— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1548682912.0
Robert Maguire, research director for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, was aghast.
"The President of the United States -- who still profits from his private company in office -- just called out a major U.S. corporation and said they better keep putting money in his pocket," Maguire tweeted. "This is unheard of."
The President of the United States -- who still profits from his private company in office -- just called out a maj… https://t.co/3AuZaL4Mvx— Robert Maguire (@Robert Maguire) 1548683579.0
If only the Founders had thought to put something in the Constitution to protect against government officials seeki… https://t.co/Ex5CQ7HxJ0— Robert Maguire (@Robert Maguire) 1548687445.0
