WATCH: Trump says he never talks to his kids about business as president but 'I think I'm allowed to'

By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-trump-says-he-never-talks-to-his-kids-about-business-as-president-but-i-think-im-allowed-to Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Trump says he never talks to his kids about business as president but 'I think I'm allowed to' Politics Jul 6, 2026 3:28 PM EDT President Donald Trump pointed to George Washington on Monday to justify enriching his family. Watch the clip in our video player above. The president has drawn sharp criticism after financial disclosures showed his family made more than $1 billion in crypto last year. WATCH: Trump's $2B income in 2025 raises fresh questions about profiting off presidency He says his sons are running the family business, the Trump Organization, while he's president. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. "I don't talk to them," Trump said, adding, "I'm allowed to, I think." But he also said he doesn't bother because being president is more important: "This office is a much higher calling." READ MORE: How crypto, real estate and watches added up for Trump last year Trump also offered a dubious history lesson, suggesting that, as president, George Washington had two desks — one for business matters and another for the presidency. "He had two desks in the same room," Trump said. "And so, you're allowed to. But I choose not to. I don't talk to my kids about, you know, this stuff." A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now