Trump blasts 'FakeNews' CNN for reporting Kelly is unhappy with his NFL stance

President Trump has blasted a CNN report that claims White House chief of staff John Kelly is unhappy about the recent controversy between him and members of the National Football League, or NFL.

“@CNN is #FakeNews. Just reported COS (John Kelly) was opposed to my stance on NFL players disrespecting FLAG, ANTHEM, COUNTRY. Total lie!” Trump tweeted Monday.

In its piece about Kelly’s reaction, CNN cited accounts by two administration officials, including one who indicated to the network that the retired general “is attuned to race issues and voiced his concern about the matter.”

Trump’s conflict with the NFL erupted Friday when the president talked about players who don’t stand during the national anthem.

“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,’" Trump added.

Despite widespread criticism following the speech, Trump has continued to blast the league on Twitter.

“If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!” the president tweeted Sunday.

“The issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race. It is about respect for our Country, Flag and National Anthem. NFL must respect this!” Trump said in another tweet on Monday.

Kelly has since echoed this broader sentiment.

“I believe every American, when the national anthem is played, should cover their hearts and think about all the men and women who have been maimed and killed," he told CNN on Monday. "Every American should stand up and think for three lousy minutes.”

However, Kelly did not comment on Trump’s “decision to wade into the issue.”