National Football League

Trump says US should change tax law to punish NFL

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 8:28 p.m. ET

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AP

WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump is suggesting the U.S. change its tax laws to punish organizations like the NFL if members are ''disrespecting'' the national anthem or flag.

The NFL gave up its federal tax-exempt status a couple years ago and now files tax returns as a taxable entity. So it's unlikely that Trump's proposal, tweeted in the early hours Tuesday, would change anything.

Trump tweeted: ''Why is the NFL getting massive tax breaks while at the same time disrespecting our Anthem, Flag and Country? Change tax law!''

Trump also tweeted Tuesday that ESPN ratings have ''tanked'' because of Jemele Hill, the anchor suspended for making political statements on social media.

While NFL viewership is down slightly, ESPN remains among the most popular cable networks, averaging 3 million viewers in prime time.

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