Donald Trump Jr has suggested that Nike release a shoe featuring the hammer-and-sickle logo of the former Soviet Union after the athletic company discontinued its design with a flag from the American Revolution.
Don Jr posted a photo of a communist-inspired red shoe to Twitter on Wednesday, writing: ‘If the Betsy Ross Flag, the flag of the American Revolution, is too offensive for Nike to commemorate The 4th of July maybe Nike should go with this… seems to be more in line with their views.’
Nike was set to release its Air Max 1 Quick Strike shoes bearing the 1776 American flag designed by Betsy Ross on July 4th but decided to pull the product days before because it could ‘unintentionally offend and detract from the nation’s patriotic holiday’.
Ex-NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick is said to have influenced Nike’s decision to keep the $140 sneakers off the shelves after they’d already been sent out to stores, according to The Wall Street Journal.
‘After images of the shoe were posted online, Mr Kaepernick, a Nike endorser, reached out to company officials saying that he and others felt the Betsy Ross flag is an offensive symbol because of its connection to an era of slavery,’ the outlet reported.
Donald Trump Jr has suggested that Nike release a shoe with the hammer-and-sickle logo of the former Soviet Union after the brand discontinued its design with a flag from the American Revolution. In a tweet Wednesday he said the design was ‘more in line with their views
Air Max 1 sneakers recalled by Nike featured an early American flag designed by Betsy Ross
Nike reportedly discontinued the Betsy Ross shoes after former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick (left) expressed concerns about the flag’s connection to slavery. Don Jr (right) has been a critic of Kaepernick ever since the athlete ignited a nationwide controversy in 2016 by refusing to stand during the national anthem to protest racial inequality and police brutality
Don Jr’s suggestion that Nike use the hammer and sickle logo because of the former Soviet Union’s communist and socialist ideals. A USSR flag is pictured above
Don Jr offered up the USSR logo because of the government’s far-left leanings and its support of communism and socialism.
The president’s son has long been a vocal critic of Kaepernick after the athlete ignited a nationwide controversy in 2016 by refusing to stand during the national anthem to protest racial inequality and police brutality.
Last fall Nike launched an advertising campaign starring Kaepernick that prompted thousands of Americans to boycott the brand. Don Jr was among them.
The brand is now under fire again from critics who feel the decision to discontinue the Betsy Ross shoe was disrespectful and un-American.
The Betsy Ross flag, which features 13 white stars in a circle representing the 13 original US colonies, was created during the American Revolution.
At the time lawmakers were advocating for the expansion of slavery and had declared that anyone born into slavery would be a slave for life.
The flag has more recently been adopted by extremist groups opposed to America’s increasing diversity.
Among the critics is Republican Texas Sen Ted Cruz, who tweeted Tuesday: ‘They’ve now decided their shoes represent snide disdain for the American flag. Since they don’t want my business anymore, I won’t buy any more. Can anyone recommend a good sneaker co that’s not so woke?’
Another critic wrote on Twitter: ‘Nike just pulled a 4th of July themed shoe feat a Betsy Ross American Flag because complained saying it was ‘offensive’?!?!?! Can we just for ONE DAY Attempt to be Americans and be PROUD especially during the 4th of July! The day we became America?!’
‘I’m offended at how [Nike] support someone who doesn’t support their county,’ a third person tweeted.
However, many others commended Nike for the decision.
‘The Betsy Ross flag has been turned into a symbol of white nationalism and domestic extremism,’ one person tweeted.
‘Conservatives will whine, but Colin Kaepernick was right to speak out and Nike was right to pull the products.’
Another Twitter user thanked Kaepernick for ‘shedding light on the fact that Betsy Ross’ flag is racist. I’m sitting here shaking now that I know that my history teachers left this vital piece of information from me.’
While the shoes were all recalled, WSJ reported that some of them made it onto the market and are selling for up to $2,000.
The Betsy Ross flag, which features 13 white stars in a circle representing the 13 original US colonies, was created during the American Revolution. The painting above depicts Ross unveiling her flag design to George Washington and other officials in Philadelphia
The Air Max 1 USA shoes inspired by Independence Day were set to go on sale this week
Twitter users had mixed reactions to Nike’s decision not to stock the Betsy Ross shoes
Some were furious at the decision and called the controversial former NFL-star ‘un-American’
Kaepernick ignited a nationwide controversy in 2016 when he decided to protest inequality and racist police brutality by refusing to stand during the national anthem.
Since starting the demonstrations during the NFL preseason three years ago, Kaepernick has been joined by scores of other athletes in the face of intense criticism, namely from President Donald Trump, who has referred to the protesters as ‘sons of b****es’.
The demonstrations were primarily a reaction to the deaths of African-American men at the hands of law enforcement.
The free agent quarterback last played in the NFL in 2016, going unsigned since the kneeling protest.
In February, he settled collusion grievances that alleged the league and its teams conspired to keep Kaepernick and his former teammate Eric Reid unsigned because of their political activism.
The settlement was for less than $10million.
Nike introduced Kaepernick as the face of its 30th anniversary ‘Just Do It’ ad campaign last September.
A month later, the company released a long-sleeved black t-shirt with the controversial free agent quarterback’s name emblazoned in reflective lettering along the back, and the $50 item sold out within only a few hours.
The move to make the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback the face of its ad campaign generated a backlash among some consumers, who set fire to Nike shoes.
But others were vocal in their support for Nike – which is one of the NFL’s biggest partners.
Despite the initial backlash and a share drop, the company reportedly made around $6billion from the move.
Since starting the demonstrations during the NFL preseason three years ago, Kaepernick (left) has been joined by scores of other athletes in the face of intense criticism, namely from President Donald Trump, who has referred to the protesters as ‘sons of b****es’