President Trump took credit for NFL players deciding to link arms in a show of unity after he criticized players who kneeled during the national anthem to protest racism.
“Great solidarity for our National Anthem and for our Country. Standing with locked arms is good, kneeling is not acceptable. Bad ratings!” Trump 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
Trump seemed to not be aware the linked arms were to show unity among teammates in the face of his criticism of the NFL and football players in general.
Trump later added, “Courageous Patriots have fought and died for our great American Flag — we MUST honor and respect it! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Courageous Patriots have fought and died for our great American Flag — we MUST honor and respect it! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
The criticisms started on Friday at a rally in Alabama and have continued throughout the weekend on Twitter.
Trump withdrew an invitation to the Golden State Warriors, champions of the NBA, to the White House after star Stephen Curry was reportedly wavering on whether to attend the ceremony.
However, he announced — after the team did — the Pittsburgh Penguins, champions of the NHL, would be coming to the White House.
“Please (sic) 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
