Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson is speaking out about the political opposition President Donald Trump is facing due to his stance on kneeling during the National Anthem.
During an interview with radio personality Hugh Hewitt, Carson admitted that Trump has been approached by multiple members of his administration and urged to consider changing his stance.
Trump has described kneeling protests as disrespectful to “our Great American flag.”
However, those protesting have repeatedly argued that the protest has nothing to do with the flag but rather, it is an effort to raise awareness about police brutality and inequality in America.
As the conversation progressed, Carson was asked about his stance on players kneeling.
Carson said, “I think the important thing is that they are going to kneel during the National Anthem that they make sure people understand why they’re kneeling.”
“A lot of people are under the impression that they’re kneeling because they don’t respect our National Anthem or they don’t respect the flag or what it stands for,” he added.
After admitting that he does not think the protests are in an effort to disrespect the flag, Carson said, “I think most of them are kneeling because they want to protest some police brutality in the police forces. They need to make that very clear.”
Hewitt then asked about the possibility of the president being persuaded to see the other side of the spectrum.
“So is there any chance you might persuade the president that he ought not to be upset with players kneeling during the national anthem?” Hewitt asked.
“I don’t think he has manifested as much animosity in that region lately,” Carson responded, adding, “And I think we just continue to work him. He’ll get there.”
See Carson’s remarks below:
Carson’s latest remarks follow several tweets from the president condemning kneeling protests.
During a pre-season 2016 NFL game, Colin Kaepernick, who was the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, kneeled during the National Anthem in silent protest against police brutality.
His protest came after back-to-back officer-involved fatal shootings claimed the lives of unarmed black men.
The protest sent shockwaves through the NFL as other players also kneeled in solidarity. Silent protests continued for multiple NFL seasons but were was met with critical opposition.
The NFL players are at it again – taking a knee when they should be standing proudly for the National Anthem. Numerous players, from different teams, wanted to show their “outrage” at something that most of them are unable to define. They make a fortune doing what they love……
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2018
When asked about the protest, Kaepernick defended his actions as he explained why he took a knee.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick said during an interview with NFL Media. “To me, this is bigger than football, and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way.”
Four years after Kaepernick was “blackballed,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement of apology in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
In the video, Goodell condemned racism and also said the league was wrong for its previous decision to ostracize players who kneeled.
We, the NFL, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of Black People. We, the NFL, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the NFL, believe Black Lives Matter. #InspireChange pic.twitter.com/ENWQP8A0sv
— NFL (@NFL) June 5, 2020
Despite Carson’s remarks, Trump has vowed not to support the NFL if players kneel, as previously reported on IJR. The president made it clear he wouldn’t be watching for the upcoming season.
