Mnuchin defends Trump: NFL players 'can do free speech on their own time'

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Sunday that NFL players can “do free speech on their own time,” while defending President Trump’s attack on those who don’t stand during the national anthem.

Mnuchin also noted during an appearance on ABC News’ ‘This Week’ that this should be an NFL rule just like others.

“I think what the president is saying is that the owners should have a rule that players should have to stand in respect for the national anthem,” Mnuchin said.

He argued that the issue is not about free speech.

“They can do free speech on their own time…this is about respect for the military and the first responders and the country,” Mnuchin added.

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The controversy started after Trump said during a campaign-style rally in Alabama on Friday that the players who kneel during the national anthem should be “fired.”

“Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a b—-h off the field right now. Out! He’s fired. He’s fired!’" Trump stated.

Despite widespread criticism, the president has continued to echo those thoughts on Twitter.

“If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast,” Trump said in one of the tweets Sunday morning. “Fire or suspend!”