Scouting leader sorry for 'political rhetoric' in Trump's speech
The President used the address to lay into his political rivals and encouraged the scouts to boo Barack Obama.
Friday 28 July 2017 06:51, UK
The head of the Boy Scouts has apologised to members of the scouting community who were offended by Donald Trump's recent speech.
While other US presidents have delivered non-political speeches at past scout jamborees, Mr Trump promoted his political agenda and criticised his rivals when he addressed nearly 40,000 scouts and adults in West Virginia.
He also induced some of the scouts in attendance to boo Barack Obama.
Chief Scout Executive Michael Surbaugh said: "I want to extend my sincere apologies to those in our Scouting family who were offended by the political rhetoric that was inserted into the jamboree.
"That was never our intent... We sincerely regret that politics were inserted into the Scouting program."
Mr Surbaugh noted that every sitting president since 1937 has been invited to visit the jamboree and that such an invitation is "in no way an endorsement of any person, party or policies".
He said: "For years, people have called upon us to take a position on political issues, and we have steadfastly remained non-partisan and refused to comment on political matters."
Mr Saurbaugh said the controversy had not totally overshadowed the 10-day jamboree, but admitted it did have an effect.
"Scouts have continued to trade patches, climb rock walls, and share stories about the day's adventures," he said.
"But for our Scouting family at home not able to see these real moments of Scouting, we know the past few days have been overshadowed by the remarks offered by the President of the United States."
President of the Boy Scouts Randall Stephenson said that they suspected Mr Trump might cause controversy, but felt obliged to invite him out of respect for the office of the presidency.
Mr Stephenson was asked if the scouts would invite Mr Trump back to address the next national jamboree if he is re-elected in 2020.
"I don't see why we would break with tradition, whoever is holding office," he replied.
"We are not to going to censor or edit the president of the United States. That's beyond our pay grade, regardless of who it is."