President Trump continues to fire shots across the National Football League’s bow, in an unprecedented, presidential display of vitriol.
According to the New York Daily News, Trump, along with Vice President Mike Pence, have fashioned a petition, appealing to their supporters, asking for signatures in support of the concept of standing during the national anthem. The petition was paid for by the Trump Make America Great Again Committee, a joint fundraising committee authorized by and composed of Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. and the Republican National Committee.
So, in essence, our commander in chief—who at one point, banned lobbyists—is now himself one.
The NFL has decided that it will not force players to stand for the playing of our National Anthem. Total disrespect for our great country!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 18, 2017
The petition is clearly in response to the NFL’s non-decision about players kneeling during the national anthem—a form of silent protest that dates back to August 2016, when former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick first sat, then kneeled during the playing of the anthem. While Kaepernick had originally said the protests were in response to police brutality and social injustice, the Trump administration has since re-spun them to be about patriotism and nationalism.
The petition also follows the latest in a series of tweets (see above) the president has written that are critical of the NFL and its stance on protesting players.
Whether you’re looking to get into shape, or just get out of a funk, The Charge has got you covered. Sign up for our new wellness newsletter today.
