Despite naysayers, US Air Force veteran Brian Kolfage launched a GoFundMe page dedicated to building “the wall” on the US southern border which, so far, has amassed over $20 million in just a few weeks. Many have wondered if the President would let his position on the effort be known, and now, according to the New York Times, which cited Kris Kobach, he has done just that.
Kolfage started the crowdfunding campaign in mid-December, and within days, he had millions of dollars in donations for wall funding pouring in. Yet, after a few weeks, the campaign had failed to reach its $1 billion goal, and there was speculation in the media that all the monies would have to be refunded to their donors, as per GoFundMe’s rules.
Defying expectations, though, donors were given the option to ensure that their contributions would go toward building the wall (and not refunded). Kolfage reached out to his donors, and Right Wing News reported that, of those who responded, 93% chose to do exactly that.
In the last few weeks, Kolfage reportedly visited Washington D.C. two times, and there were “whispers” that President Trump was aware of the former Airman’s GoFundMe initiative “We Build The Wall,” Jeff Rainforth reported. In the capital, the veteran spoke with elected officials and brokers of high-power politics. Meanwhile, many were wondering if Trump would say something about it.
Apparently now, Trump has given his “Presidential seal of approval,” and his “blessing,” according to the New York Times. Trump has not publicaly issued a statement on the matter. One of Kolfage’s numerous, high-profile supporters, former Secretary of State of Kansas Kris Kobach told the New York Times last week that he spoke with President Trump on the phone. And, on Friday, they reported this:
Mr. Kobach, a hard-line ally of President Trump known for his strident stand on immigration, has long advocated a tough border policy.
He is currently an advisory board member of “We Build the Wall Inc.” a nonprofit group that has collected more than $12 million toward the effort. Mr. Kobach says the group has obtained the presidential seal of approval for the private initiative.
President Trump gave the undertaking his “blessing” in a telephone conversation Wednesday night, according to Mr. Kobach.
The White House press office did not respond to requests for comment.
Mr. Kobach, 52, says the group will begin construction soon on its first section of the wall on donated property, likely in Texas, and that the work can be completed cheaply and efficiently by the private sector.
The private wall idea is an outgrowth of a plan started in December as a GoFundMe campaign by Brian Kolfage, a disabled Air Force veteran living in Florida who says the impetus for his project was mounting public frustration over the government’s failure to reach an agreement on border protection.
(Top) (L) “Sheriff” David Alexander Clarke Jr.; (R) Fox New contributor Sara A. Carter; (Bottom) (L) Dr. Robert S. Spalding III, Brig Gen, USAF; (R) Tom Tancredo (We Build the Wall)
The triple-amputee veteran announced some of the high-profile team members backing the campaign a few weeks ago, including: Brigadier General Dr. Robert S. Spalding III, Sheriff David Clark, Fox News contributor Sara A. Carter, and angel dad Steve Ronnebeck, all part of the We Build The Wall Inc. advisory board. Meanwhile, there are reportedly teams working out the legal details for building a private wall, for “half the cost,” on private land in Texas.
On Saturday, Kolfage tweeted out schematics for their wall design plans:
Kolfage is now set to head to Texas to consult with landowners and assess a timeline to begin building.
Last week, he brought the public up to speed on their progress and highlighted the pressing need for border security:
“Our team is in Texas prepping for our arrival this upcoming weekend. Look what’s on the front page! It’s time we stop these cartels from profiting off human smuggling and drugs. They are raping young women and it must stop! We need the wall now!”
Michael Wing is a writer and editor based in Calgary, Canada, where he was born and educated in the arts. He writes mainly on culture, human interest, and trending news.
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