White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders during a briefing. Drew Angerer/Getty Images White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Thursday defended President Donald Trump's criticism of NFL players who kneel during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality.

Sanders said Trump's comments "shouldn't be about the NFL against the president. This should be about our country coming together."

When reporter April Ryan asked her to clarify a point, Sanders disputed her follow-up.

"I don't think there's much to clarify, it's pretty black and white," Sanders said.

Her comments immediately gained traction on social media.

During a rally in Alabama on Friday, Trump called for owners to fire players who protested during the national anthem. Trump's comments sparked backlash from players and owners, many of whom spoke out against the president and protested during games on Sunday.

Watch the clip below: