Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg has spoken out in favor of NFL players' right to kneel during the national anthem prior to games.
Speaking to TMZ Sports, Buttigieg explained part of his military service was to ensure people had the "right of peaceful protest." Buttigieg's answer came after he was asked about President Donald Trump's past comments about Colin Kaepernick and other players who have exercised their right to free speech:
Trump has been outspoken in his criticism of NFL players who protest during the national anthem. During a 2017 rally in Alabama, the president told the crowd in attendance that owners should respond to anyone who protests by telling them to "get that son of a bitch off the field right now, he's fired.