Feb 4, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) drops back against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
The White House put out an unprecedented statement after the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles decided not to come as a full team to the White House to see Trump. The statement was a presidential tantrum the likes of which has never been seen before.
Here is the statement from The White House as provided to PoliticusUSA:
The Philadelphia Eagles are unable to come to the White House with their full team to be celebrated tomorrow. They disagree with their President because he insists that they proudly stand for the National Anthem, hand on heart, in honor of the great men and women of our military and the people of our country. The Eagles wanted to send a smaller delegation, but the 1,000 fans planning to attend the event deserve better. These fans are still invited to the White House to be part of a different type of ceremony—one that will honor our great country, pay tribute to the heroes who fight to protect it, and loudly and proudly play the National Anthem. I will be there at 3:00 p.m. with the United States Marine Band and the United States Army Chorus to celebrate America.
The Eagles as an entire team refused to be Trump’s props, so the president responded by throwing a fit and canceling their visit. It is that simple. NFL players are not happy about the new rules banning them from taking a knee during the anthem, but there is no rule forcing them to show up at the White House and be a part of Trump’s propaganda show. Trump also disinvited the NBA champion Golden State Warriors after they made it clear that they did not want anything to do with the president.
This is still the United States of America. No professional athlete has to go to the White House to see the president if they don’t want to.
Trump’s response was that of a needy child who lashes out at any rejection.
The Eagles did the right thing, and more champions need to stand up and express their dissent and disagreement with Trump. No one should be forced to take part in a ceremony where they will be used as props by a president who uses every moment for division and personal gain.
Trump’s tantrum only serves to highlight what how he is the biggest embarrassment to ever occupy the Oval Office.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene tried to hold a press conference after meeting with insurrectionists at…
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) witnessed House Republicans like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene treating insurrectionists like…
The NYPD and FBI are investigating a letter containing white power sent to Manhattan DA…
In the Ways and Means hearing on Friday, Representative Greg Murphy (R-NC) told Ambassador Katherine…
Special Counsel Jack Smith scored a big win as a federal judge rejected Trump's claim…
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) was shown Trump's threat of violence if he is indicted by…
This website uses cookies.