President Trump switched gears after a day of combative tweets on the federal response to Hurricane Maria – back to the issue that he used to spark an uproar last weekend.
“Very important that NFL players STAND tomorrow, and always, for the playing of our National Anthem,” he posted to Twitter at 6:25 p.m. Saturday. “Respect our Flag and our Country!”
Since Tuesday, Trump has focused his social media attention on the rollout of his tax plan and a defense of his administration’s storm recover efforts. He last tweeted about the NFL on Monday.
Trump’s Sept. 26 condemnation of players who have knelt in protest during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” led teams, coaches, and some owners abandon the field, stand arm-in-arm, or kneel as the anthem played last Sunday – and sparked a backlash from many fans. Ratings and ticket sales have suffered since.