A Democratic lawmaker took to the House floor on Monday to defend NFL players who defied President Trump and knelt during the national anthem to protest police brutality.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chairman of House Democrats’ messaging arm, blasted Trump for attacking NFL players but refraining from going after Russian President Vladimir Putin for Moscow's attempts to influence the 2016 election.

“I find this ironic. Because this is the same group of people at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue who regularly refuse to criticize Vladimir Putin and defend Russia’s interference with our election undermining American democracy for the first time in our nation’s history,” Jeffries said in his floor speech.

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“How dare you lecture us about what’s patriotic,” he said.

Trump instigated the renewed debate over NFL players kneeling during the national anthem at a rally in Alabama on Friday night.

"Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, 'Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. He is fired,’ ” Trump said.

The president repeatedly ramped up his criticism over the weekend.

“Sports fans should never condone players that do not stand proud for their National Anthem or their Country. NFL should change policy!” he tweeted on Sunday.

Trump in a series of tweets on Monday morning reiterated that “Many people booed the players who kneeled yesterday (which was a small percentage of total). These are fans who demand respect for our Flag!”

“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!” Trump added.

Team owners and players spoke out against Trump’s comments, with many joining in kneeling protests during games on Sunday.

Jeffries on Monday praised the sports figures who pushed back against Trump, including NBA stars Stephen Curry and LeBron James, as well as Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.

“I just came to the House floor to make it clear to all of the athletes across this great country who have chosen to stand up and confront injustice in our society, that there are members of the United States Congress who have your back,” Jeffries said.

“Steph Curry, we have your back. LeBron James, we have your back. Coach Mike Tomlin, we have your back,” he said.

Trump over the weekend also disinvited Curry from visiting the White House because the Golden State Warriors' point guard was “hesitating.”

Curry had said last week that the didn’t want the team to visit the White House because of Trump.