U.S. President Donald Trump is weighing in on Nike’s endorsement deal with Colin Kaepernick.
In a tweet posted around 7 a.m. Friday morning, he asked “What was Nike thinking?”
What was Nike thinking?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 7, 2018
Earlier this week, Nike revealed that Kaepernick had been tapped to be the new face of its 30th anniversary “Just Do It” campaign.
An ad featuring Kaepernick aired during the NFL season opener Thursday night.
Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/x5TnU7Z51i
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 5, 2018
Kaepernick is the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who started kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality.
While he initially sat during the anthem, he switched to kneeling after speaking with Army vet and former Seahawks player Nate Boyer.
Boyer suggested that kneeling would be more appropriate.
Actually Kap reached out to me seeking support in the matter. But yes I suggested kneeling over sitting and we both agreed it was a good middle ground to stand/kneel on…
— Nate Boyer (@NateBoyer37) September 5, 2018
Trump and others have repeatedly criticized Kapernick, suggesting he is disrespecting the anthem and U.S. military.
