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As reported by The Hill, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders affirmed that the National Anthem and America Flag should always be celebrated.

Controversy Over The National Anthem

This past weekend, NFL players made headlines when they either kneeled or remained in locker rooms during the National Anthem. This engendered massive feedback and criticism. Many Americans said the flag and sacrifices made to protect it are worthy of respect. Conversely, others felt differently, arguing that kneeling is about protesting racism and President Trump.

The vast majority of conservatives support the National Anthem and believe NFL players should too. Furthermore, following the players' refusal to honor the anthem, many people announced their decision to boycott the NFL. Additionally, others took to social media, even uploading videos of themselves burning their NFL gear.

White House Press Secretary Defends National Anthem

Earlier today, reporter April Ryan asked Press Secretary Sanders about President Trump's statement regarding the National Anthem and his feelings on those who knelt during it. Sanders responded with the following answer:

"I don’t think there's much to clarify. It’s pretty black and white there."

However, Ryan contested this answer, citing the aforementioned racial spin which some people appear to have placed on the matter, which prompted the following response from Press Secretary Sanders:

"This isn't an us-versus-them, this would be something that brings our country together. These are symbols of what our country stands for so that's the opposite of what that is. This should be a very unifying moment, when the national anthem plays, all Americans should be proud to stand up, salute that flag, salute that anthem, and be part of that process."

Many conservatives and Republicans have echoed the thoughts of the Press Secretary. However, the flag, the National Anthem, and whether or not people should stand or kneel is now a highly controversial, hot button issue.

More updates will follow as new developments arise.