- The petition, posted to the GOP website, does not mention the NFL, but does ask for signees’ full name, zip code, and email address
- The petition asks signees to show their ‘patriotism and support’ but does not specify any call to action. Trump is pictured holding his right hand over his heart
- Signees are moved to a ‘Thank you’ page that asks for a campaign contribution
- NFL owners met on Wednesday but did not announce any new rule that would compel players to stand during ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’
- Professional football players have been protesting inequality and police violence against minorities since last season, but have recently drawn the ire of Trump
- Trump: ‘Too much talk, not enough action. Stand for the National Anthem’
President Donald Trump has launched a petition on asking for people to stand and support the national anthem.
‘The President has asked for a list of supporters who stand for the National Anthem,’ read the petition, which was posted to the Republican Party website on Thursday. ‘Show your patriotism and support.’
The petition requests signees’ full name, email address, and area code, but is otherwise bare besides a picture of Trump. Those who do sign are transferred to a ‘Thank you’ page which asks for campaign contributions ranging from $35 to $2,700 dollars.
Those who contribute at least $5 will receive a bumper sticker that reads ‘I STAND FOR THE FLAG.’
Trump’s petition asks for names, email addresses and zip codes, but offers no other details
The fine print along the bottom of the page reads: ‘Paid for by the Trump Make America Great Again Committee, a joint fundraising committee authorized by and composed of Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. and the Republican National Committee.’
The NFL owners met in Manhattan on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing controversy surround players protesting during the national anthem, but did not announce any change to league rules that would have compelled players to stand.
‘Too much talk, not enough action,’ Trump tweeted afterwards. ‘Stand for the National Anthem.’
Beginning with now-former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the 2016 preseason, NFL players have been protesting inequality and police brutality against minorities by sitting, kneeling, or raising a fist during the national anthem.
Trump has been the demonstrators’ biggest critic, referring to the players as ‘sons of b******’ and demanding that owners discipline anyone who refuses to stand for ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’
NFL owners have not changed any rules requiring players to stand, which has upset Trump
Chiefs teammates Marcus Peters (No. 22 on the left) and Ukeme Eligwe (No. 45 on the right) sit on the bench during the national anthem prior to their game in Oakland on Thursday