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Was Pence's NFL Protest Pre-Planned? Both Sides Throwing Flags Over the Response

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WASHINGTON – President Trump took to Twitter Monday morning praising the vice president's decision to leave an NFL game after two dozen players kneeled during the national anthem.


The former Indiana governor says he was offended and walked out before kick-off.

"I left today's Colts game because @POTUS and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our flag, or our national anthem," Pence tweeted.

While many, including Congressman Mark Meadows, have lauded the vice president for that decision, critics have blasted the Veep for "political grandstanding" and wasting taxpayer dollars.

But a Pence official told CBN News, "The vice president was not going to miss the Las Vegas memorial prayer walk on Saturday, which he was honored to attend on behalf of President Trump. If the vice president did not go to Indiana for the Colts game, he would have flown back to D.C. for the evening – which means flying directly over Indiana. Instead, he made a shorter trip to Indiana for a game that was on his schedule for several weeks."

Business Insider puts the price tag of that trip to Indy at more than $250,000 for the flight alone. That amount does not take into account the cost of the Secret Service.

Ethics watchdogs have pointed to the administration's recent accusations of abuse when it comes to squandering taxpayers' money.

Former Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price as well as Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin have come under fire for their use of chartered flights.


Last week, about two dozen 49ers took a knee, which was an indication it could happen again during Sunday's game. It's that assumption that has sparked debate.

The 49ers have led the kneeling movement. Colin Kaepernick, a name synonymous with the anthem protests, was a former 49ers quarterback.

Then there's the question of whether the vice president intended to leave all along.

Sunday evening the president tweeted.


Still, supporters of the vice president say the hoopla is nothing more than mainstream media bias.

Former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer tweeted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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About The Author

Amber C.
Strong

Amber Strong joined the CBN News team in Washington, D.C., in 2014 as a producer and field producer. Currently, she works as a correspondent, producer, and backup anchor for "The Brody File." Her beat includes national politics and The White House. And while she loves her current backyard of Washington, D.C., she’s a Hoosier girl at heart. Amber lives and breathes all things entertainment and politics and has had the privilege of interviewing some of the biggest names in both industries, including late night host Jimmy Fallon and presidential contender Rick Santorum. However, her true love is