Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) jumped into the conversation Thursday at the White House about NFL players and owners protesting the the American flag and national anthem.
"What I don't think people seem to get is when you do it on the flag and the anthem, it looks like you're protesting the ideals of America, the patriotism, the people who put their life on the line or given their life for their country," Ryan said.
Ryan did not make clear whether he believes players should be fired for taking part in the protests, or if the NFL should change its rules in order to require the players to stand during the anthem, according to Business Insider.
"I think it's misguided to protest the anthem and the flag because people don't it see it as an issue ... some political issue. They see it as protesting against the people who've given their lives for this country and the ideals we all strive for to make it a more perfect union," he said. "And that's the point some people are missing in this debate."
Talking to reporters outside the White House on Wednesday, Trump was asked about the players' First Amendment rights, but maintained players should not protest during the national anthem, according to USA Today.
"We have to respect our national anthem. We have to respect our country. And they're not respecting our country," Trump said. "And most importantly, the fans agree with me. I mean, largely, the fans agree."
"But we have to show total respect for our national anthem, for our flag, for our country, we have to do it. There are plenty of places ... Personally, when they're protesting during a football game, I think they can find better places. But they cannot do it during the national anthem."
