Tom Barrack, President Trump’s longtime friend and well known billionaire, is under consideration for the post of ambassador to Mexico, Politico reported last week.
Yet White House officials and advisers said Barrack, a successful real estate developer, has expressed concerns about taking the high-profile role. Selling his assets could be also be a hurdle.
“[I]t is his if he wants it,” a source told Politico.
Trump’s hardline stance on immigration and his campaign promise to have the Mexican government pay for a wall on the southern border have stoked tensions with America’s southern neighbor.
Barrack is reportedly viewed by some senior advisers as a good influence on the president, whose global vision has encouraged the president to make decisions that don’t strictly appeal to his base, several White House aides told Politico.
Tom Barrack. PHOTO: Getty Images
He gave a speech at the Republican National Convention last summer, where he called Trump one of his closest friends.
When asked in a Wall Street Journal interview in late July, Trump indicated that Barrack is a potential pick.
“I’m thinking about it,” Trump said, according to the transcript.
“Tom Barrack, yes? Call him up, tell him I’m giving it to him,” he added, after asking if the Journal reporters liked him.
A White House spokeswoman told Politico the administration had “nothing to announce at this time.”
Source: http://thehill.com/