Russ Wiles

The Republic | azcentral.com

Phoenix author Robert Kiyosaki got to know Donald Trump on the motivational speaker’s tour and supports the latter’s presidential bid

Kiyosaki said he and Trump share common ground as educators, investors and entrepreneurs. He likes the Donald’s message, if not the rhetoric

Trump has made immigration reform the centerpiece of his campaign, but Kiyosaki said the economy could be a stronger platform for the billionaire

Donald Trump’s strong showing as the leading Republican has been the surprise of the presidential campaign so far. But at least one Arizonan saw the billionaire developer as an excellent choice for president, with “bold and imaginative ideas,” at a time when most shrugged off his candidacy as a sideshow.

Robert Kiyosaki, a 68-year-old Phoenix resident and author of the “Rich Dad Poor Dad” financial-literacy books, got to know Trump on the motivational speaker’s tour about a decade ago. He thought the New York developer would make a fine president back then, as was stated in a book that they co-authored, “Why We Want You to Be Rich,” published in 2006.

In an interview this week, Kiyosaki said he continues to support Trump’s candidacy and message, although he disagrees with the latter’s often-inflammatory rhetoric, such as disparaging remarks toward illegal immigrants from Mexico in the U.S.

The two men share common ground as educators, investors and entrepreneurs, Kiyosaki said. “We see the need for financial education,” and mandatory education at that, he added.

Although attacks on illegal immigration have formed the cornerstone of Trump’s electoral message so far, Kiyosaki said the economy might be a stronger platform for him.

“When you look at the problems in the world today, most are economic,” Kiyosaki said. “He and I both see America as bankrupt, with no way to pay off future debt. Yet we’re borrowing money to pay interest on that debt.”

Kiyosaki said he believes Trump, as a seasoned businessman, would be best able to cut spending to right the government’s fiscal imbalances while negotiating fairer trade deals with countries such as China. He believes Trump could convince Mexico to play a more effective role in controlling the border, using bilateral trade as both a stick and carrot.

Trump also might have other advantages when it comes to the economy, Kiyosaki said. As an international businessman, Trump is the one candidate who knows how to create jobs and make money, in Kiyosaki’s opinion. “The others only know how to spend it.”

In addition, Kiyosaki said he views Trump as the only candidate with enough influence and desire to convince Congress to lower corporate income-tax rates to repatriate money held by multinational corporations in foreign nations. And he considers Trump to be the only candidate with “the guts to tell the American people the truth — that Social Security and Medicare are bankrupt.”

Kiyosaki implied that Trump has a plan to fix the two entitlement programs, though details remain sketchy. Trump recently indicated he didn’t want to cut benefits. His official campaign website, donaldjtrump.com, outlines his position on just one campaign issue — immigration reform.

Trump’s bluntness has ruffled feathers, as Kiyosaki readily admits. Kiyosaki said he wasn’t happy to see the Donald take a swipe at Sen. John McCain for being captured during the Vietnam war.

But Kiyosaki said he views Trump as a solid, genuine person who is well-liked by his staff. “He’s a good man,” Kiyosaki said, describing Trump as a good listener and fair. “His family and kids — they’re really solid people, too.”

In fact, the reality-show star “is exactly the same person you see on TV,” Kiyosaki said. “He’s funny as heck and always making offbeat comments.”

Kiyosaki said he would campaign for Trump, if asked. But if the Donald runs the table and wins the election, Kiyosaki said he wouldn’t accept a post in a Trump White House.

Kiyosaki said he was turned off by politics after watching his own father make an unsuccessful bid for lieutenant governor of Hawaii. That experience “soured me and crushed him,” Kiyosaki said of his father’s political campaign. “He found out who his friends really were.”

Trump hasn’t held elected office before. That raises questions about his ability to work with Congress, other government officials, constituent groups and foreign leaders. “I have my concerns (about that),” Kiyosaki admitted.

But he considers Trump the right candidate for the job at this stage of the country’s history. “He has voiced the anger and frustration Americans feel — related to national security, jobs, the economy and career politicians,” Kiyosaki said. “If you want change, he’s the guy who will bring it.”

Reach the reporter at russ.wiles@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8616.