Mike Pence and Donald Trump Stage a Walk Out Over National Anthem Protest at Colts-49ers Game

Donald Trump has officially turned the peaceful protest of police brutality and social injustices against black and brown people in America, into poorly planned and executed publicity stunt. ⠀⠀⠀

On Sunday, less than 24 hours after honoring the victims of the Las Vegas massacre, Mike Pence arrived at the #IndianapolisColts game to act as a puppet in Trump’s circus act. The Indiana team was scheduled to play the San Francisco 49ers, who have been a large part of the national anthem protest in recent weeks, which was the perfect moment for Pence to execute the plan.

During the national anthem, 23 members of the San Francisco team took a knee, prompting Pence to leave due to the “disrespect” of our soldiers, our Flag, and our National Anthem.

“I left today’s Colts game because @POTUS and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem,” Pence wrote on Twitter, just before Trump took to the platform to take credit for Pence’s actions. “I asked @VP Pence to leave the stadium if any players kneeled, disrespecting our country. I am proud of him and @SecondLady Karen.” 

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Although Pence’s game trip had long been scheduled, the plan to leave early was already in effect, as a White House staffer told journalist, who were following Pence in, to stay in their cars, because there might be “an early departure.” Trump’s plan to make Pence walk out ultimately cost taxpayers a pretty penny, just to prove a point. Travel and security alone, according to CNN, may have cost $250,000 at least.