The Boy Scouts of America is wholly non-partisan and does not promote any one position, product, service, political candidate or philosophy. 

The invitation for the sitting U.S. President to visit the National Jamboree is a long-standing tradition and is in no way an endorsement of any political party or specific policies.

Every sitting U.S. President has served as the BSA’s honorary president. It is our long-standing custom to invite the U.S. President to the National Jamboree.

Please refer any further medi questions to PR@scouting.org. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Boy Scouts of America invite President Trump?

A: Since its inception in 1910, each sitting U.S. President has served as the Boy Scouts of America’s honorary president. It is a long-standing tradition for the Boy Scouts of America to invite the U.S. President to attend the National Jamboree. Seven of the 11 U.S. Presidents who were in office at the time of the National Jamboree attended the event in person to address the largest gathering of Scouts in the country. Most recently, President George W. Bush visited the Jamboree in 2005, President William J. Clinton in 1997 and President George H. W. Bush in 1989.

Q: Does the President’s participation in the Jamboree signify the Boy Scouts of America’s endorsement of President Trump?

A: No, this not a political statement. The sitting U.S. President serves as the BSA’s honorary president. It is our long-standing custom to invite the U.S. President to the National Jamboree. 

Q: What do I say to those in my council who do not support the president’s policies?

A: The Boy Scouts of America is wholly non-partisan and does not favor the interests of one political candidate over another. We do not promote any one position, product, service, political candidate or philosophy. The invitation for the sitting U.S. President to visit the National Jamboree is a long-standing tradition and is in no way an endorsement of any political party or specific policies.