President Donald Trump disputed a CNN report Monday that said chief of staff John Kelly is upset about his fight with National Football League players protesting during the national anthem.
The CNN report cited two unnamed administration officials who said that Kelly “was not pleased with the fight that erupted over the weekend.” President Trump said Friday that NFL owners should tell a “son of b***h” who protests the anthem to get off the field, and tweeted that fans should tune out the NFL until the protests stop.
Subsequently, 12 percent of league players sat out while the anthem played during Sunday games.
“[CNN] is #FakeNews. Just reported COS (John Kelly) was opposed to my stance on NFL players disrespecting FLAG, ANTHEM, COUNTRY. Total lie!” Trump tweeted. “General John Kelly totally agrees w/ my stance on NFL players and the fact that they should not be disrespecting our FLAG or GREAT COUNTRY!”
The CNN report included a short interview with Kelly, in which the retired Marine general said, “I believe every American, when the national anthem is played, should cover their hearts and think about all the men and women who have been maimed and killed. Every American should stand up and think for three lousy minutes.”