President Donald Trump sent out a fundraising email Monday, touting Vice President Mike Pence's walkout ahead of a game between the Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers on Sunday because several players kneeled during the national anthem, according to The Hill.
"[Sunday] members of the San Francisco 49ers took a knee during our national Anthem. Their stunt showed the world that they don't believe our flag is worth standing for," the president said in an email from the Trump Make America Great Again Committee.
"But your Vice President REFUSED to dignify their disrespect for our anthem, our flag, and the many brave soldiers who have died for their freedoms," the president said.
Pence on Sunday said he left the game, "because President Trump and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our national anthem."
Trump in response said he was proud of Pence and his wife, Karen.
Trump two weeks ago set his sights on the NFL when he lashed out at athletes who protest before games. The response from players, coaches, and owners was swift as many protested in some form. Since then, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he would punish players for disrespecting the flag, and Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said he wants the players to stand.