WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has told aides that he wants his embattled friend, Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, to be part of a celebration at the White House of the team’s victory in the Super Bowl, ignoring concerns about Kraft’s recent charges of soliciting prostitution.
Trump has brushed aside worries about any negative effect that Kraft’s presence at an official event could have, according to people close to the president. His desire to have his friend on hand dismayed but did not surprise them, because they said they believe he has recently been inclined to ignore external criticism.