Transcript for Pence's planned exit from NFL game cost taxpayers $242,000

Nt tonight, the white house was asked today, was it a stunt? The vice president walking out, leaving the colts/49ers game when some of the players were kneeling during the anthem. But was the pool reporter who travels with the vice president told ahead of time not to head into the stadium, that the vice president would not be at the game for long? And how much did this stop in Indiana cost the American taxpayer? ABC's Mary Bruce tonight. Reporter: Tonight, the vice president is taking heat for taking this stand. As players for the San Francisco 49ers took a knee Sunday to protest racial injustice, Mike pence staged his own protest against them. Abruptly walking out. He immediately tweet Ed this statement, saying "President trump and I will not dignify any event that disrespecting our soldiers, our flag or our national anthem." But the walkout was not a game-time decision. Reporters traveling with pence were told to stay behind, informed the V.P. Might not be at the game for long. The president, seemingly eager to prolong this divisive debate says it was his idea, tweeting, "I asked V.P. Pence to leave stadium if any players kneeled, disrespecting our country. I am proud of him." But 49ers player Eric reed says it was all a P.R. Stunt. He knew our team has had the most players protest, he knew that we were probably going to do it again. Reporter: The white house today pushed back. To call that a political stunt is truly outrageous, egregious and offensive. Reporter: Footing the travel bill for pence's brief visit, the American taxpayer. To the tune of more than $240,000. And Mary Bruce with us live tonight. With so many other headlines, the Las Vegas shooting, north Korea, the war of words with senator corker, the trump team is aggressively pushing the flag debate tonight. Reporter: The white house seems to relish this fight and wants to keep it going. Tonight, the trump campaign committee is fund-raising off the vice president's walkout, urging supporters to donate a $5 to $250 or more. David? Mary Bruce with us tonight, Mary, thank you.

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