‘It’s an American Flag’: Congressman Forced To Explain Gift After Trump Says ‘I Could Use That at Night’
President Donald Trump received a gift on Friday, though it was unclear if he knew what it was.
On Friday, Trump signed legislation and executive orders in the Oval Office in front of reporters. The first item on the agenda was the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act, which limits credit reporting agencies’ ability to share a consumer’s credit report with third parties in connection with mortgage transactions. The bill was introduced by Rep. John Rose (R-TN), who was on hand for the bill’s signing.
White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf handed Trump the legislation, stating, “The congressman here was one of the lead sponsors. I think maybe he can say more about it than I can.”
“Well, it’s difficult for Americans to buy homes, particularly after the last four years, Sir,” Rose began. “But with the president’s signature today, we’re gonna make it easy for people to buy a home without getting hassled. For years, their private personal information has been bought and sold on the open market, resulting in them getting innumerable phone calls and text messages. But with your signature today, we’re gonna put an end to that so that when Americans try to realize the American dream of owning a home, they’re able to do so without being harassed.”
“Good job,” Trump said. It’s a great honor, John.”
The president signed the bill and gave it to Rose to hold up. The congressman obliged, and the president thanked him. Before departing, Rose handed Trump a folded American flag in a clear plastic bag, with the flag’s stars plainly visible.
“I’d like to leave you with this gift from a constituent back in Tennessee,” Rose said.
“Oh, I could use that at night,” the president replied.
“It’s an American flag,” Rose explained after laughing.
“It’s very nice,” the president said. “I like that. Thank you very much.”
UPDATE, SEPT. 9: In a statement to Mediaite, Rep. Rose said the gift he presented to the president was “an American flag blanket, handcrafted by a Tennessee constituent.”
Watch above via C-SPAN.
