President Donald J. Trump didn’t hold back after canceling a White House ceremony which would have honored the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Hours after making the major announcement, he took direct aim at the Eagles and the NFL for their latest National Anthem policy announcement. Trump taunted that there will be no “escaping to the locker rooms.”
Here’s the full White House Statement: “The Philadelphia Eagles are unable to come to the White House with their full team to be celebrated tomorrow. They disagree with their President because he insists that they proudly stand for the National Anthem, hand on heart, in honor of the great men and women of our military and the people of our country. The Eagles wanted to send a smaller delegation, but the 1,000 fans planning to attend the event deserve better. These fans are still invited to the White House to be part of a different type of ceremony—one that will honor our great country, pay tribute to the heroes who fight to protect it, and loudly and proudly play the National Anthem. I will be there at 3:00 p.m. with the United States Marine Band and the United States Army Chorus to celebrate America.”
Isn’t it refreshing to have a President in the White House who would rather host an event with the U.S. Marine Band and celebrate America?
Trump first made the announcement to disinvite the team after they decided to send a “smaller delegation” in protest of Trump’s opposition to players who kneel during the National Anthem. At the time of cancelation, only 10 players confirmed they would agree to visit. (RELATED: NFL Owners Considering Yardage Penalties for Kneeling Players).
Trump’s fiery immediately outraged the Democratic Mayor of Philadelphia Jim Kenney, who issued this statement:
“The Eagles call the birthplace of our democracy home, so it’s no surprise that this team embodies everything that makes our country and our city great. Their athletic accomplishments on the field led to an historic victory this year. Fans all across the country rallied behind them because we like to root for the underdog and we feel joy when we see the underdogs finally win. I’m equally proud of the Eagles’ activism off the field. These are players who stand up for the causes they believe in and who contribute in meaningful ways to their community. They represent the diversity of our nation—a nation in which we are free to express our opinions.
Disinviting them from the White House only proves that our President is not a true patriot, but a fragile egomaniac obsessed with crowd size and afraid of the embarrassment of throwing a party to which no one wants to attend. City Hall is always open for a celebration.”
The Philadelphia Eagles Football Team was invited to the White House. Unfortunately, only a small number of players decided to come, and we canceled the event. Staying in the Locker Room for the playing of our National Anthem is as disrespectful to our country as kneeling. Sorry!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2018
In February, the Golden State Warriors declined to attend a White House ceremony to honor their 2017 NBA championship and instead toured the National Museum of African-American History and Culture with local students.
Trump has been fighting against anthem kneelers for over a year, during a rally in which he called out the “son of a *****” players who continued to protest. The NFL has lost millions of dollars in ticket sales and television ad revenues as a result of fans not wanting to see their team disrespect the National Anthem and our country.
What do you think about President Trump canceling on the Philadelphia Eagles? Please leave us a comment (below) and tell us what you think.
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