A nonprofit group that supports President Donald Trump has launched a Facebook ad campaign to urge Americans to stand with the president in his criticism of the National Football League.
Urging Americans to “Turn Off The NFL,” the group America First Policies has added the hashtag #TakeAStandNotAKnee to push the campaign on social media.
The ad features a photo of President Trump with his hand over his heart:
“The right to free speech comes with great responsibility and a duty to honor what is sacred,” said America First Policies spokesperson Erin Montgomery, according to the Washington Post. “We’ve chosen to stand in solidarity with Americans who refuse to allow a select group of hateful individuals to disrespect the American flag — and for the men and women who have given their lives defending that very flag.”
The campaign comes two days after President Trump criticized the NFL at a campaign rally for Republican Alabama Senate candidate Luther Strange.
During the September 22 rally, the president railed against the NFL for allowing players to protest against the country during the playing of the national anthem. Trump said he hoped NFL owners would fire players who protest and urged the public to stop going to games and watching football on TV.
Follow Warner Todd Huston on Twitter @warnerthuston.