JUST IN: President Trump tells Fox & Friends that he thinks NFL players should "have to stand proudly" for the national anthem, and suggests that they "shouldn't be in the country" if they do not stand.

Taking a knee during the national anthem during a NFL game should “maybe” be a deportable offense, President Trump appeared to say in an interview on Thursday morning.

@AV8intheblue @NBCNews So you have no issue at all with people disrespecting out country, flag and military? really? There are better ways to fight racism, the killing of black americans and inequality than taking a shit on the men and women that protect us.

@Metalhead9806 @NBCNews You have no idea what Freedom is you Clown...I sacrificed so people can make a choice...and they aren’t disrespecting me or anyone that’s served...we don’t serve an anthem you dipshit...DO YOU EVEN KNOW THE OATH WE TAKE?!

@AV8intheblue @NBCNews This headline is so bad. He appears to suggest it “maybe” a deportable offense. Either he said it or he didn’t.

@eta1342 @NBCNews My problem is with the “leave” part which is why I’m so upset at him saying such a thing

@AV8intheblue @NBCNews I worked 30 years, 8 months and kept parts flowing to fix birds like yours operational. Thank you for your service. 😉

@KPanekvogel @NBCNews Thank You for keeping me up there...the feelings are mutual...believe me 😀

@AV8intheblue @NBCNews Thank you for your service - first. And, also to add to your post, the “take the knee” has never been about anti-patriotism. It’s always been a statement to highlight police brutality. Long ago the original intent has been lost.

@pfarouche @NBCNews True story

@AV8intheblue @NBCNews Thank you. Thank you for everything. You are a true American and freedom is what we stand for. (Or kneel for)

@LoveOceanMtnSun @NBCNews Shining City on a hill...we lose that....we lose what we've fought to be...

@AV8intheblue @Jenny_wildfan @NBCNews I respect the rights of others to have free will and follow their own paths. In fact our flag guarantees it. But myself, as a serviceman, disrespecting the anthem/flag/country goes against everything I personally stand for. But... You pays your money you takes your choice.

@MikePhineas @Jenny_wildfan @NBCNews Mike...I agree may never do it myself but I'm sure can't agree with someone saying I can or can't let alone threaten others with deportation after what I've given up for this Country and the US Constitution...but that's just me...everyone has that Freedom to decide for themselves

@AV8intheblue @NBCNews Interesting comments. Personally I'm shocked you would be using the language hardly befitting an officer and gentleman. Never met an aviator that I didn't like. Your the first and I have a few combat hours as well!

@misiaszek_joe @NBCNews Like I said earlier...I apologize for the language but my premise stands...and seriously...you’ve never heard language like that in our world? That would be a first for me...even as a Sr FGO...😉

@AV8intheblue @NBCNews I too served & agree however, he’s referring to the NFL people don’t pay money to watch them push their political agenda, if they were so passionate why haven’t any used some of the millions of dollars they make & start an ad campaign, players group & pay for tv/radio slots

@D_J009 @NBCNews I don’t determine how people want to protest or even spend literally 30 seconds doing it in this case...and he was referring to having them leave the country because of it...he said it plain as day...now that I have a problem with

@steelegirl12 @NBCNews You fix it you a$$ Clown...I gave you the ability to...now you want me too do everything else...

@AV8intheblue @NBCNews Please don't forget also..He is also a POS DRAFT DODGING CLYMEDIA FIGHTING COWARD !!!!

@AV8intheblue @NBCNews Then get fired! The players don't have that right. When people PAY to see a game that is what they want. The organization makes the rules, the players do not. They get a paycheck.