Agua Caliente tribal chairman criticizes Trump’s ‘lack of respect’ towards tribe during local visit
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Chairman Jeff L. Grubbe spoke against President Donald Trump's desert visit, citing a lack of respect shown by the President against the tribe.
"I try not to get political on Social Media, it's ugly enough out there, but I wouldn't be much of a Tribal leader if I didn't express my disappointment about the lack of respect President Trump has shown my tribe," Grubbe wrote.
Grubbe continued, "Not only did he land Air Force One on Tribal lands, but he drove by our Government building, and we were not shown the respect/honor to welcome him on our lands. Take all the politics out of it, the lack of respect is disappointing."
Air Force One landed at Palm Springs International Airport at approximately 10:30 a.m. He was not greeted by local leaders as has been the case in past Presidential visits. Instead, President Trump was greeted by a group of supporters with the East Valley Republican Women Federated. Trump arrived, shook hands, signed hats and took a few selfies.
In previous valley Presidential visits, then-President Barack Obama was greeted by Grubbe, along with Congressman Raul Ruiz and sometimes the sitting Palm Springs mayor.
Grubbe commented on this, writing, "I appreciate the Respect President Obama and his administration has shown my Tribe AND Indian Country."
President Trump's exact route to Porcupine Creek, the location of a fundraising event he was attending in Rancho Mirage, was not released to the public.
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There are several Agua Caliente buildings in Palm Springs, including the Gaming Commission Building behind the airport and the Tribal Building a bit south of the airport on Dinah Shore Drive.
An Agua Caliente spokesperson confirmed the tribe was not invited to greet President Trump. Ruiz's office also confirmed the Congressman was not invited.
During the 2016 Presidential Election, Grubbe voiced his support for Democratic Candidate Hilary Clinton. He spoke about the election during the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
Grubbe was first elected to the Tribal council in 2006, following in his grandfather's footsteps. Grubbe was appointed as Chairman in 2012 and has been re-elected in 2014, 2016, and 2018.