Nothing says fiscal responsibility and respecting the taxpayer — two supposed Republican core beliefs — like demanding a private jet. In a report offered by The New York Times, Kobach made a list of requests that he would have to be provided if he were to accept a newly created position of Immigration Czar.
Kris Kobach’s Conditions for Becoming Immigration Czar
Mr. Kobach submitted the following list of demands during discussions for an administration post.
1. Office in the West Wing.
2. Walk-in privileges with the president.
3. Assistant to the President rank - at highest pay level for WH senior staff.
4. Staff of 7 people (2 attorneys, 2 research analysts, 1 scheduler, 1 media person, 1 assistant).
5. POTUS sits down individually with Czar and the secretaries of Homeland Security, Defense, Justice, Ag, Interior, and Commerce, and tells each of the Secretaries to follow the directives of the Czar without delay, subject to appeal to the President in cases of disagreement.
6. 24/7 access to either a DHS or DOD jet. Czar must be on the border every week.
7. Ability to spend weekends in KS with family on way from border back to DC, unless POTUS needs Czar elsewhere.
8. Security detail if deemed necessary after security review.
9. Serve as the face of Trump immigration policy - the principal spokesman on television and in the media.
10. Promise that by November 1, 2019, the president will nominate Kris Kobach to be DHS Secretary, unless Kobach wishes to continue in Czar position.
The Trump administration is truly changing what constitutes a call to service, as prospective employees, paid for through taxpayer dollars. John F. Kennedy said: “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.” Trump Republicans, however, have decided to change that, and the ask seems to often include how much jet fuel the public can afford.
The request by Kobach is certainly outrageous, but even more outrageous may be Kobach’s belief that his mere presence will have some impact on immigration. “Czar must be on the border every week” — doing what exactly, Kobach doesn’t say. Sightseeing? Randomly yelling at people? Hanging out and eating Texas BBQ?
The border may not be big enough to house the failed gubernatorial candidate’s ego, however, as Kobach’s other demand is to be the only voice on TV and Media for the Trump administration, and that he be made the only voice that matters above multiple departments on immigration policy.
Ridiculous? Yes. Laughable? Certainly. Par for the course in the Trump administration: you bet.