Trump Cancels Campaign Appearance: Will Business Always Come Before His Country?

Donald Trump cancelled his appearance at an important political gathering in favor of a business deal. The gathering was a major Republican political meeting in South Carolina, where thousands of “national conservatives” gather to support their favorite candidate. Trump was scheduled to speak at this forum, but he gave the officiators of the meeting just a few hours notice before taking off.

According to On Politics, the campaign office of Donald Trump released the following statement.

“Mr. Trump has a significant business transaction that was expected to close Thursday. Due to the delay he is unable to attend today’s Heritage Action Presidential Forum. He sends his regrets and looks forward to being with the great people of South Carolina on Wednesday in Columbia.”

The business deal did not close on Thursday after all, which means that Trump may have yet another important appearance to miss in order to make a deal that’s more important than his campaign. What’s more, this cancellation came shortly after Trump openly bashed Muslims and President Obama in New Hampshire.

Everyone knows that Trump is (and likely always will be) more of a business man than a politician. It’s no surprise that he chose to do something that would benefit his personal financial gain more than it would benefit his political image.

However, it begs the question: Will Trump always put business over the good of America? Trump and his campaign have made it known that his business dealings would generally come first over political events.

One adviser reported to FITS, “Some political people may have difficultly understanding this concept but his decision has everything to do with business and nothing to do with politics. Unlike them, he’s a businessman not a politician.”

It appears that the Trump campaign administration wishes the American people and the other candidates to understand and forgive his absence, but many don’t agree. Gov. Bobby Jindal from Lousiana took this opportunity to publicly jab Trump for his decision.

Shortly after Trump’s canceled appearance, Jindal tweeted, “Sorry to see @realDonaldTrump cancel on event today w/ Sen DeMint & Gov Haley. Filing for bankruptcy again? Perhaps 5th time is the charm.”

Perhaps if this “significant business deal” would keep Trump from going bankrupt a fifth time, it would be worth missing the event. Otherwise, it may be one move that will continue to damage his rapidly declining popularity.

We’ve always known that Trump is more of a businessman than politician, but that doesn’t mean he can publicly ignore his devoted supporters without some repercussions. Likewise, it makes Americans wonder if Donald Trump’s business deals will always come before his country if he takes office, and you know that this canceled appearance in favor of a business deal will likely not be the last.

[Image via Steve Pope/Getty Images]