Axelrod: Trump should give Starbucks free space if Schultz runs

CNN commentator and former Obama adviser David Axelrod said Monday that President Trump should give Starbucks its space in Trump Tower “rent free” if its former CEO Howard Schultz runs for president in 2020.

Axelrod wrote on Twitter that Trump’s comments mocking the idea of a Schultz White House bid were “trying to goad Schultz in,” and that an independent presidential candidate would be a gift for Trump’s reelection chances.

Trying to goad Schultz in. @realDonaldTrump knows that his 40-45 percent isn’t good enough. He needs Schultz to run as Indy and lower the threshold. https://t.co/lxRzpl1VW1

— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) January 28, 2019

If Schultz decides to run as an independent, @realDonaldTrump should give Starbucks their Trump Tower space rent free! It would be a gift.

— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) January 28, 2019

Schultz said Sunday on Twitter — as well as in interviews with “60 Minutes” and The New York Times — that he is seriously considering making a bid for the presidency in 2020 as a “centrist independent.”{mosads}

Trump wrote Monday on Twitter that he hopes Starbucks “is still paying me their rent in Trump Tower!”

Howard Schultz doesn’t have the “guts” to run for President! Watched him on @60Minutes last night and I agree with him that he is not the “smartest person.” Besides, America already has that! I only hope that Starbucks is still paying me their rent in Trump Tower!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 28, 2019