The NFL players were allegedly exercising their first amendment rights, and so was President Trump. He didn’t use the power of the feral government to come down on them. He just criticized them.
The United States Code is a consolidation and codification by subject matter of the general and permanent laws of the United States.
Here is U.S. Code 36 regarding the conduct of citizens during the playing of the national anthem.
§301. National anthem
(a) Designation.—The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.
(b) Conduct During Playing.—During a rendition of the national anthem—
(1) when the flag is displayed—
(A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
(C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
(2) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1263; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, §595, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4475.)
So it’s a 1st Amendment right to break the law? For NFL thugs apparently yes.
Maybe President Trump should use the IRS to look into the players, and the owners, financial records for inconsistencies?
Executive Privilege
Executive Privilege