Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty
PresidentDonald Trumpcrossed political divides and stirred up additional controversy in one fell swoop when he welcomed former PresidentGeorge W. Bushand his wifeLaurato the Blair House.
According to theWashington Post, the 45th commander-in-chief, 72, took a presidential parade limousine of at least eight cars to greet his guests on Tuesday evening at their temporary residence just 250 yards away.
The actual meeting of the first couples lasted about 23 minutes, thePostreports, adding that Bush, 72, andMelania Trump, 48, exchanged kisses on the curb.
Donald Trump.Andrew Harnik/AP/REX/Shutterstock
Almost immediately, critics of the president started to question why he and his wife didn’t simply just walk along West Executive Drive to arrive at their destination. Because of their actions, security had to clear Pennsylvania Avenue and Lafayette Square of visitors and tourists taking pictures.
The White House did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment about the reason for the motorcade.
George W. Bush, Laura Bush, Donald Trump, Melania Trump.Andrew Harnik/AP/REX/Shutterstock
“Presidents, including the last one, have made the walk before,” Edward Price, who served as National Security Council spokesman in the Obama administration, told the publication in an email.
Donald Trump, George. W. Bush, Laura Bush.JIM LO SCALZO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
CNN political analyst Sam Vinograd also joked about the incident. “Bone spurs?” he tweeted, referencingTrump’s deferment from the Vietnam War draft.
The president and formerApprenticehost has gone out of his way to make bold gestures sinceformer President George H. W. Bushdied Friday at age 94.
In a presidential proclamation, Trump declared that Wednesday — the same day asthe funeral, held at Washington National Cathedral— would be dedicated to H. W. Bush’s memory and that flags should be lowered to half-staff in his honor for 30 days.
George W. Bush, Laura Bush, Donald Trump, Melania Trump.Chip Somodevilla/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
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“He’s shaking his head like everyone else wondering why they can’t get their act together,” the source added. “He wants the guy to succeed but thinks a lot of his problems are self-inflicted.”
In addition, multiple insiders toldNew York MagazineBush had a rather candid response to Trump’s inauguration. After attending the swearing-in ceremony, he reportedly later summed up the event in five words:“That was some weird s—.”
source: people.com
