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Tags: petition | espn | national anthem | protests | racial injustice | 2020

Trump Emails Anti-ESPN Petition to Supporters Over National Anthem Policy

Trump Emails Anti-ESPN Petition to Supporters Over National Anthem Policy
The Dallas Cowboys, led by owner Jerry Jones (center) take a knee before the national anthem September 2017. (Matt York/AP)

By    |   Wednesday, 22 August 2018 06:28 PM EDT

President Donald Trump sent out an email via his re-election committee that asked followers to sign a petition denouncing ESPN over its decision not to air the national anthem before NFL games.

According to The Hill, the email went out Wednesday from the Trump Make America Great Again Committee.

"Just after we heard a sitting governor [New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo] trash America, ESPN has now decided it will no longer play the national anthem before 'Monday Night Football,'" Trump said in the note.

"If 'America' is too offensive for anyone in our country, then what are they doing in America?

"I'm calling on you to join me in denouncing this SPINELESS surrender to the politically correct liberal mob. I was the first person to sign this petition. Now, I need you to follow my lead and be the second."

The email went on to ask supporters to sign the petition by the end of the day.

ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro said recently the network will not show the anthem, a controversial move because of the NFL player protests that have taken place the last few seasons.

"We generally have not broadcasted the anthem and I don't think that will change this year," Pitaro said. "Our plan going into this year is to not broadcast the anthem.

"Again, that could change. It's unpredictable what could happen in the world, but as of now, we're not. We have communicated that back to the NFL. They have not asked but as courtesy and good partners, we have let them know what our plans are."

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Asking followers to sign a petition denouncing ESPN over its decision not to air the national anthem before NFL games, President Donald Trump sent out an email via his re-election committee.
petition, espn, national anthem, protests, racial injustice, 2020
263
2018-28-22
Wednesday, 22 August 2018 06:28 PM
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