Trump praises NFL's anthem policy, says protesters maybe 'shouldn't be in the country'

Show Caption Hide Caption Trump praises NFL's new national anthem policy On 'Fox & Friends,' President Donald Trump suggested that players who don't stand for the national anthem might not belong in the country.

WASHINGTON – President Trump applauded the NFL's new national anthem policy Thursday and suggested players who protest "shouldn't be in the country."

"You have to stand proudly for the national anthem," Trump said in an interview on Fox & Friends. "The NFL owners did the right thing."

Players who don't stand, the president said, maybe shouldn't be allowed to play and "maybe you shouldn't be in the country."

Wednesday, the National Football League approved a revised conduct policy that requires players on the field to stand for the national anthem. It allows players who do not wish to stand to remain in the locker room.

The policy allows individual teams to fine players who do not adhere to the requirements.

"You have to stand proudly for the National Anthem. You shouldn't be playing, you shouldn't be there. Maybe they shouldn't be in the country...the NFL owners did the right thing" -President @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/bt36t4EX5u — FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) May 24, 2018

At least 24 players kneeling this weekend at NFL stadiums that are now having a very hard time filling up. The American public is fed up with the disrespect the NFL is paying to our Country, our Flag and our National Anthem. Weak and out of control! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 28, 2017

Trump made the issue a cause célèbre last year as some NFL players took a knee during the anthem to protest violent interactions between police and African Americans. In September, Trump called on fans to boycott games over the controversy.

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“If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast,” the president wrote on Twitter on Sept. 24. “Fire or suspend!”

Trump told Fox & Friends that he didn't believe he is responsible for the policy change.

"This was not me," he said. "I brought it out. I think the people pushed it forward."