Donald Trump's Argument Analysis

President Donald Trump believes the National Football League (NFL) is “disrespecting our great country” by refusing to stand for the National Anthem and wants to force players to stand. Even though Roger Goodell, the Commissioner of the NFL, believes the players should stand, he will not force his beliefs on the players. President Trump’s argument is invalid because it is an appeal to the respect Americans have for our military authority. This example of appeal to authority has many risks, because this fallacy conveys that if a figure of authority states something, it must be true. However, Trump is accusing the players of protesting against our country, while they are really protesting police brutality.The NFL and players are walking a fine line by potentially offending a nation of people that are grateful to military veterans. …show more content…
Also, while most people agree that honoring our flag and our National Anthem is patriotic, our country also allows freedom of speech. President Trump would gain power over the NFL by mandating the players to follow his order. However, he would risk violating some of our Constitutional rights by making a Presidential order to force a controversial issue. It is important for people to recognize this flawed argument. Forcing citizens to obey a Presidential opinion without consideration of their right to protest would violate free speech and exactly the type of freedoms this country was predicated