Donald Trump 'so proud of NASCAR' for stance on protests during anthem
For the third consecutive day, American president Donald Trump woke up on Monday with sports on his mind.
While Trump has repeatedly criticised the NFL and its players over the last few days for protesting during the national anthem, he had nothing but praise for NASCAR on Monday.
Multiple racing team owners said over the weekend they would fire employees who protested during the anthem - as Trump has insisted NFL teams do with their own players.
So proud of NASCAR and its supporters and fans. They won't put up with disrespecting our Country or our Flag - they said it loud and clear!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017
"So proud of NASCAR and its supporters and fans," Trump tweeted. "They won't put up with disrespecting our Country or our Flag - they said it loud and clear!"
Trump followed that up minutes later with a pair of tweets aimed at the dozens of NFL players who took a knee during the anthem before Sunday's games, expressing approval of the fans who booed players for protesting.
Many people booed the players who kneeled yesterday (which was a small percentage of total). These are fans who demand respect for our Flag!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017
The issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race. It is about respect for our Country, Flag and National Anthem. NFL must respect this!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017
While NASCAR may be overwhelmingly on board with Trump's stance, its most recognisable driver pushed back a bit. Dale Earnhardt Jr. tweeted "All Americans R granted rights 2 peaceful protests," and shared a quote from President John F. Kennedy to that effect.
All Americans R granted rights 2 peaceful protests
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) September 25, 2017
Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable-JFK