When we have a lifelong entrepreneur in the White House, it’s no surprise he is open to helping out a young fan just starting to build an empire of his own.
Back in August, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders read a letter from a young boy named Frank Giaccio who had a unique request. The 11-year-old Virginia resident asked President Trump if he could be granted the opportunity to mow the White House lawn — for free. Frank had initially wanted to charge his usual rate of $8, but his father suggested he do it for free.
Trump knows a good deal when he sees one – and just days ago Frank got his wish. Trump watched him as he mowed, giving his work an A+.
Frank “FX” Giaccio-
On behalf of @FLOTUS Melania & myself, THANK YOU for doing a GREAT job this morning! @NatlParkService gives you an A+! pic.twitter.com/135DxuapUI— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 15, 2017
It turns out that this wasn’t the first time Frank asked to mow the White House lawn. When he wrote to former President Barack Obama with the same request, all he got was an automated response. President Trump’s White House replied, fulfilling his wish. Frank later expressed his gratitude on Fox News:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41CISB3xcsQ
Now, could any rational person actually have a problem with this? No – but don’t forget that we live in the age of Trump Derangement Syndrome. The president could tweet that the sky is blue and the New York Times headline would read, “Experts remain divided over color of sky.”
And speaking of the New York Times, it was one of their contributors, Steven Greenhouse, who took issue with this whole incident. Judging by his reaction, he seems like a real pleasure to be around.
Not sending a great signal on child labor, minimum wage & occupational safety >> Trump White House lets a 10-year-old volunteer mow its lawn https://t.co/uj7N9Mr8Yi
— Steven Greenhouse (@greenhousenyt) September 15, 2017
He is aware that child labor laws originated to keep kids out of coal mines, not to prevent them from mowing lawns, right? You could probably tell from the fact that since (as of this writing) Greenhouse’s tweet has under 300 retweets but nearly 7,000 replies, he likely received plenty of criticism from sane America. And sure enough, he did:
Seriously? He let's a kid mow the White House lawn -something kid will never forget and you blast him about child labor laws?
— Jeff Crank (@jeffcrank) September 15, 2017
I would ask if you think before you write, but I am not too certain you are capable of doing so…
— Floyd L Tullis II (@PyrothiusPrime) September 15, 2017
Teaching kids to be self-sufficient and the value of a day's work is problematic now? FFS! My dad had me on the tractor when I was 9. #SMH
— Tina C. (@Redhead6886) September 16, 2017
Greenhouse replied to a number of his detractors, pointing out the safety hazard that lawn mowers can pose – and even cited a study showing upwards of 600 lawnmower-related amputations of children each year.
Dear oversensitive Tina snowflake. Play is play & I"m all for it. Work isn't play—There are rules about child labor https://t.co/5jHFXowFHj
— Steven Greenhouse (@greenhousenyt) September 16, 2017
However, if you bother to actually read the study, it states: “Each year, 800 children are run over by riding mowers or small tractors and more than 600 of those incidents result in amputation.” There is nothing in the article whatsoever that claims or indicates it’s children themselves mowing when they become injured. The same source also noted that 26,000 kids suffer brain injuries each year on bicycles.
Regardless, both Trump and Frank’s father were by his side throughout his entire job. I’m pretty sure he was in good (and safe) hands.
Share this story if you’re sick and tired of liberals attacking our president!