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Donald Trump tweets about Usain Bolt standing for U.S. anthem, Team Jamaica responds

Donald Trump drags the fastest man in history into his criticism about N.F.L. players

September 27, 2017
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A tweet from U.S. president Donald Trump’s Twitter account regarding Usain Bolt has garnered the attention and debate. 

Early on Wednesday, Trump tweeted a video of the Jamaican sprint star cutting a T.V. interview short in order to stand for the American national anthem. With the video, Trump tweeted: “Even Usain Bolt from Jamaica, one of the greatest runners and athletes of all time, showed RESPECT for our National Anthem!” 

This commentary is part of an ongoing conversation about National Football League players protesting during the U.S. national anthem before game time. Certain players in the league have taken to kneeling, rather than standing, while the Star-Spangled Banner plays. Athletes partaking in the protests have said in interviews that it’s to show opposition to racial inequality and police brutality. 

The U.S. president has been outspoken in criticizing the players for these protests, and much of his commentary has come via his Twitter account, with Wednesday’s comment making reference to Bolt being among the latest. 

As other media have reported, the video of Bolt was shot five years ago during an interview at the 2012 Olympic Games. 

The tweet saw many responses, among them was a quip from Team Jamaica saying “Please leave The Boss out of your politricks.”

Trump tweeted about the NFL once more after posting the video.

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