President Trump brags that no one will hire Colin Kaepernick because they fear Trump's Twitter wrath

If former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is looking for someone to blame for his unemployment, President Trump just volunteered himself. At a rally Monday night in Louisville, Kentucky, Trump veered off topic to note a report that NFL owners don't want to hire Kaepernick because they don't "want to face Trump's Twitter wrath," CNN reported.
Kaepernick, who drew attention last season for kneeling during the national anthem to protest racism and police brutality, has yet to sign with another team since he opted out of his contract with the 49ers earlier this month. Last season, when Trump was still a presidential candidate, he slammed Kaepernick's protest, calling it a "terrible thing" and suggesting "maybe he should find a country that works better for him."
"Your San Francisco quarterback, I'm sure nobody ever heard of him," Trump said Monday night, changing the topic abruptly from a "rebirth of hope" in inner cities. "It was reported that NFL owners don't want to pick him up because they don't want to get a nasty tweet from Donald Trump," Trump said. "Do you believe that? I just saw that. I just saw that."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Trump said he wanted to tell "the people of Kentucky" about the report because he knows they "like it when people actually stand for the American flag."
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
5 low ratings cartoons about the Late Show cancellation
Cartoons Artists take on early warning signs, the Gen Z stare, and more
-
Connie Francis: Superstar of the early 1960s pop scene
In the Spotlight The 'Pretty Little Baby' and 'Stupid Cupid' singer has died aged 87
-
Crossword: July 26, 2025
The Week's daily crossword puzzle
-
Trump executive order targets homeless
Speed Read It will now be easier for states and cities to remove homeless people from the streets
-
Columbia pays $200M to settle with White House
Speed Read The Trump administration accused the school of failing to protect its Jewish students amid pro-Palestinian protests
-
Florida judge and DOJ make Epstein trouble for Trump
Speed Read The Trump administration's request to release grand jury transcripts from the Epstein investigation was denied
-
Trump attacks Obama as Epstein furor mounts
Speed Read The Trump administration accused the Obama administration of 'treasonous' behavior during the 2016 election
-
Trump administration releases MLK files
Speed Read Newly released documents on the 1968 assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did not hold any new revelations, King historians said
-
Japan's prime minister feels pressure after election losses
Speed Read Shigeru Ishiba has vowed to remain in office
-
President diagnosed with 'chronic venous insufficiency'
Speed Read The vein disorder has given Trump swollen ankles and visible bruising on his hands
-
'Bawdy' Trump letter supercharges Epstein scandal
Speed Read The Wall Street Journal published details of Trump's alleged birthday letter to Epstein