Trump Rips 'Fake News' CNN, Calls Kelly Protest Report a 'Lie'

The Pittsburgh Steelers Alejandro Villanueva, a U.S. Army Ranger veteran who served in Afghanistan, broke from his team's protest Sunday. (Nam Y. Huh/AP)

By Cathy Burke | Monday, 25 September 2017 07:13 PM EDT

President Donald Trump claimed Monday there has been "tremendous backlash" against the NFL for players' protests during the national anthem — and refuted a CNN report that chief of staff John Kelly disagreed with the president's rebuke.

As players, owners and fans continued to weigh in on the president's criticism of more than 200 take-the-knee protests throughout the league Sunday, Trump took to Twitter to declare vindication.

.@CNN is #FakeNews. Just reported COS (John Kelly) was opposed to my stance on NFL players disrespecting FLAG, ANTHEM, COUNTRY. Total lie!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017

General John Kelly totally agrees w/ my stance on NFL players and the fact that they should not be disrespecting our FLAG or GREAT COUNTRY!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017

Tremendous backlash against the NFL and its players for disrespect of our Country.#StandForOurAnthem🇺🇸
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017

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President Donald Trump claimed Monday there has been "tremendous backlash" against the NFL for players' protests during the national anthem, and refuted a CNN report that chief of staff John Kelly disagreed with the president's rebuke.

fake news, cnn, john kelly, national anthem

Monday, 25 September 2017 07:13 PM

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