Donald Trump has basically waged war against the NFL over national anthem protests, and the president has given no indication that his “make them stand” frame of mind is going to change.
In an appearance on “FOX & Friends” on FOX News Thursday morning, Trump reiterated his belief that the NFL should instate a rule that requires players to stand during the playing of the national anthem.
“They have rules for everything. You can’t dance in the end zone, you can’t wear the pink socks relative to breast cancer. They have rules for everything,” Trump said. “Why aren’t they honoring this country by enforcing a rule that’s been in existence for a long time?”
Trump added that he has spoken with owners who feel they are backed into a corner over the issue of anthem protests. Those owners, he says, are intimidated by their own players.
“I have so many friends that are owners. They’re in a box,” Trump said. “I’ve spoken to a couple of them and they say, ‘We are in a situation where we have to do something.’ I think they’re afraid of their players, if you want to know the truth. And I think it’s disgraceful.”
Last Friday, Trump said during an appearance in Alabama that NFL owners should fire any “son of a b—” who kneels during the national anthem. Many players and even some owners responded with widespread political demonstrations. Trump reportedly spoke with one powerful team owner multiple times to discuss the national anthem situation.
