EDINBURG – An Edinburg native who appeared on national television calling Donald Trump a “clown” and a “buffoon” is now one of the president-elect’s many advisors.

Javier Palomarez is meeting and speaking with the Trump transition team daily. He said he offers them advice and counsel on policies involving the economy, small business and immigration.

Palomarez grew up in Edinburg. He dropped out of Edinburg High School and eventually went to night school to get his GED.

He then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree at UTPA and eventually became the president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The organization campaigned hard for Hillary Clinton.

Palomarez said he was shocked when Trump won the election and then asked him to join the transition team.

“We’re honoring the results of the election. We’re heeding the will of the people. He has been elected as the 45th president of the United States and it’s now my job as an American to do everything I can to see to it that this is a smooth transition, that our country continues to move forward,” he said.

Palomarez said the Trump team offered a cabinet position but he turned down. He agreed to instead offer advice and counsel when called upon.

He said he’s stressed to the Trump team that a wall on the border will not stop people from coming into the country illegally and the importance of immigrants to the U.S. economy.

Palomarez said ultimately he doesn’t make decisions, he just hopes to influence policy with his counsel.