Trump praises NFL’s locked-arms ‘solidarity,’ says kneeling ‘not acceptable’

by Julia Manchester - 09/24/17 2:27 PM ET

President Trump responded to the show of solidarity put on by the NFL on Sunday against his recent attacks on the league, saying that standing with locked arms is better than kneeling.

“Great solidarity for our National Anthem and for our Country. Standing with locked arms is good, kneeling is not acceptable. Bad ratings!” the president tweeted.

Great solidarity for our National Anthem and for our Country. Standing with locked arms is good, kneeling is not acceptable. Bad ratings!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017

The president’s tweets come after some NFL players locked arms and others kneeled in response to his attack on players in the league over the weekend.

{mosads}

Trump also confirmed Sunday the Pittsburgh Penguins would visit the White House later this year.

“Please to inform that the Champion Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL will be joining me at the White House for Ceremony. Great team!” he tweeted.

Please to inform that the Champion Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL will be joining me at the White House for Ceremony. Great team!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017

The NHL team announced earlier Saturday they would be visiting the White House, saying in a statement that the team respects the office of the president.

“Any agreement or disagreement with a president’s politics, policies or agenda can be expressed in other ways,” the Stanley Cup champions said in a statement Sunday. “However, we very much respect the rights of other individuals and groups to express themselves as they see fit.”

Trump’s tweets Sunday come after Trump said at a rally last week in Alabama that players who kneel during the national anthem to protest racial injustice should be fired.

“Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. He is fired’ ” Trump said.

Earlier Sunday, Trump doubled down on his comments, tweeting: “If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!”

Several players and teams have come out against the president’s comments, calling them divisive and disappointing.

Tags