Trump praises military in backhander to NFL players who kneel during national anthem
Donald Trump said the bravery and sacrifice of US military made occasions like the Super Bowl possible.
Donald Trump expressed appreciation for US service members ahead of yesterday’s Super Bowl, saying their bravery and sacrifice helped make occasions such as the football game possible and renewing his criticism of NFL players who kneel during the national anthem.
“Though many of our nation’s service members are unable to be home with family and friends to enjoy this evening’s American tradition, they are always in our thoughts and prayers,” the US President said in a statement about the game shortly before the matchup between the defending New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles began.
“We owe these heroes the greatest respect for defending our liberty and our American way of life. Their sacrifice is stitched into each star and every stripe of our Star-Spangled Banner. We hold them in our hearts and thank them for our freedom as we proudly stand for the national anthem.”
No players from either side knelt during the playing of the anthem yesterday.
Mr Trump has been critical of NFL players who exercise their right to freedom of expression by kneeling during the national anthem to protest police treatment of minorities. He says the practice is disrespectful to service members, and he has criticised the league and team owners for allowing the kneeling to continue.
Mr Trump hosted a Super Bowl watch party at his private golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. He and first lady Melania Trump arrived just before kickoff. The Florida Atlantic University Marching Band marked Mr Trump’s arrival by playing Hail to the Chief, Boogie Wonderland and Shut Up and Dance.
Mr Trump thanked band members for a “great job” and complimented their “great talent” before entering the club.
He did not say which team he was supporting. He punted when he was asked his preference last week at the White House, saying, “I better not get involved”.
However, Mr Trump is good friends with Patriots owner Bob Kraft. Mr Trump has said Mr Kraft telephoned him in December, as he prepared to sign a package of tax cuts into law, to tell him that the tax bill was “incredible”.
The President spent the weekend at his estate in nearby Palm Beach, Florida, and returned to Washington yesterday.
Shortly after the Eagles won 41-33, Mr Trump tweeted: “Congratulations to the Philadelphia Eagles on a great Super Bowl victory!”
AP
Women egged in anti-Semitic attack at Bondi Beach
Three men allegedly set upon a number of women on Saturday night in Sydney's east, throwing eggs at them, with police believing they were targeted because of the clothes they were wearing.
‘Hunted down and locked up’: PM condemns latest anti-Semitic attack
Anthony Albanese has condemned a spate of anti-Semitic hate crimes which has culminated in the discovery of a caravan packed with explosives outside Sydney, declaring the perpetrators 'would not succeed' creating hate and division.