U.S. president Donald Trump addressed the National Football League (NFL)’s national anthem protests and South Korean technology giant Samsung during a brief visit to South Carolina on Monday evening.
Trump – who was in Greenville, S.C. headlining a fundraiser for S.C. governor Henry McMaster – also drew applause when he bashed the #FakeNews outlets who have consistently assailed his presidency.
“They are way, way down in the ratings,” Trump said, according to an event attendee.
As for the NFL protests, Trump told the crowd he supports people’s right to protest – just not during the anthem.
“I’m all in favor of people protesting if they want to protest,” Trump said, according to event attendees. “But you don’t protest during the national anthem.”
Trump also reportedly drew cheers when he contrasted his views on the subject with those of former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, who came out this week in support of players refusing to stand during the national anthem.
Trump also reportedly praised Samsung, which announced its intention to open a manufacturing facility in Newberry, S.C. earlier this year.
“I’ve bought plenty of their products over the years,” Trump told the crowd, adding that he was pleased the company had located in the Palmetto State.
How much money did Trump’s visit raise for McMaster? It’s not immediately clear, but it appears as though numerous tickets to the event were given away to lawmakers, GOP party officials and other dignitaries free of charge.
We still expect the presidential visit to net McMaster upwards of $1 million – a vital infusion of resources as he struggles to fend off an unexpectedly strong challenge from GOP primary rival Catherine Templeton.
To read our prior coverage of Trump’s visit, click here.
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