Trump criticizes NFL anthem policy: 'Isn't that worse than not standing?

President Donald Trump is not satisfied with the NFL's new national anthem policy, and Thursday he questioned whether the new policy actually makes things worse, according to USA Today.

Trump, speaking at a campaign-style rally Thursday in Montana, again criticized players who kneel in protest during the national anthem as well as the NFL's rule that allows players to stay in the locker room during the national anthem.

"Isn't that worse than not standing?" Trump asked the crowd. "That doesn't play. I actually think in many ways its worse."

The president also took direct aim at NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during the rally.

"I heard this thing, they were so happy, the owners," Trump said about the new national anthem policy. "This commissioner, where this guy comes from I have no idea. They're paying him $40 million a year, and their ratings are down 20 percent. But you know why ratings are down? Yes, the flag."

"But they're also down because people find politics — in other words, hitting Trump, incorrectly, but hitting Trump — they find that to be much tougher, meaner and more interesting than watching a football game," the president continued. "They actually do. And they're watching the cable networks instead of watching football."

What's the policy?

The NFL, seeking a middle ground on the divisive protests, adopted a policy requiring all players and staff who remain on the field during the national anthem to stand respectfully.

Those who don't want to stand are allowed to remain in the locker room during the anthem. But players who don't stand and "show respect" during the anthem can be fined by the league.

The protests, started by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to protest police brutality and social injustice, had alienated some fans and drawn the ire of the president.

Ongoing conflict

Trump's relationship with the NFL continues to be strained. The president recently canceled the Philadelphia Eagles' scheduled White House visit after some players decided not to attend.

"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," Trump said at the time.

Although Trump cited a disagreement about standing for the national anthem when he cancelled, no Eagles player kneeled during the national anthem last season.