Donald Trump has said the US could “use some more loyalty” in a rambling political speech to tens of thousands of youngsters.
Mr Trump broke with eight decades of tradition on Monday when he used his address at the National Scout Jamboree in West Virginia to discuss partisan politics, criticising former President Barack Obama, his former campaign rival Hillary Clinton, fake news and pundits.
“Boy Scout values are American values, and great Boy Scouts become great, great Americans. As the Scout Law says: ‘A Scout is trustworthy, loyal’ – we could use some more loyalty, I will tell you that,” the President said.
The event, held once every four years, gathers young people from across the world to talk about values such as serving your country and exchanging ideas.
Mr Trump’s comments about loyalty came almost directly after he said Tom Price, his health and human services secretary, was going to get the votes to pass a bill that would dismantle Obamacare.
Republican leaders in the Senate have struggled to garner support from members of their own party for legislation that would repeal and replace Mr Obama’s healthcare law. No Democrats are expected to vote in favour of the bill.
Last week, three senators, including Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, said they would vote against beginning debate on a bill that would repeal major parts of Obamacare without an immediate replacement, basically killing the measure.
Efforts by leadership to move forward a bill that would both repeal and replace the law at the same time have so far been unsuccessful.
“He better get Senator Capito to vote for it,” Mr Trump said, addressing Mr Price. “You got to get the other senators to vote for it. It’s time. After seven years of saying repeal and replace Obamacare, we have a chance to now do it. They better do it. Hopefully they’ll do it.”
Mr Trump also promised to repeal and replace the law during his presidential campaign.
