Psaki: Biden Respects Olympian’s ‘Right To Peacefully Protest’ After Turning Away From Flag

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki says President Joe Biden is respecting U.S. Olympian Gwen Berry’s “right to peacefully protest” after she was seen turning away from the American flag during the national anthem at the Olympic track and field trials.

During a White House press briefing on Monday, Psaki told reporters Biden respects Berry’s “right to peacefully protest,” adding, “A part of that pride in our country means recognizing there are moments where we, as a country, haven’t lived up to our highest ideals and it means respecting the right of people, granted to them in the Constitution, to peacefully protest.”

Watch part of the press briefing below:

Berry received backlash for her actions from Republicans, including Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).

“Why does the Left hate America? Sure, we have our faults, but no nation in the history of the world has liberated more people from captivity, has lifted more out of poverty, has bled more for freedom, or has blessed more w/ abundance. God bless America,” Cruz tweeted.

Crenshaw said during an appearance on Fox News, “We don’t need any more activist athletes. She should be removed from the team. The entire point of the Olympic team is to represent the United States of America. That’s the entire point.”

He added, “It’s one thing when these NBA players do it … but now the Olympic team and it’s multiple cases of this. They should be removed. That should be the bare minimum requirement is that you believe in the country representing.”