Trump Supporters Overwhelmingly Oppose NFL Players Kneeling During National Anthem

Trump Supporters Overwhelmingly Oppose NFL Players Kneeling During National Anthem

President Donald Trump’s supporters overwhelmingly oppose NFL players kneeling during the national anthem, a new poll from NBC and the Wall Street Journal has found. Many players have been kneeling to protest police violence against African-Americans, a protest Trump has strongly attacked.

NBC and the Wall Street Journal asked if the protest was appropriate or inappropriate. The poll found that a majority of voters, 54%, opposed kneeling during the anthem, with opposition strongest among Republican and Trump voters.

Among Republicans, 88% oppose the protest, which was pioneered by San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick. Opposition is slightly higher among Trump voters, at 89%. The President has personally criticized the protest along with many right-wing media figures.

Democrats were broadly supportive of the protest, with 72% saying it was appropriate. Independents, however, are more divided on the issue with 57% saying it is inappropriate and 42% believing supporting it.

There is also a significant racial divide on the issue. Seven out of ten black voters believe the protest is appropriate, while among white voters, just 38% approve. Hispanic voters were also divided – 57% against and 47% in favor.

Some NFL teams have tried to prevent players from kneeling during the anthem but it is likely the protests will continue, whatever the polls say.

Darragh Roche

Darragh Roche is Political Media Editor

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