Donald Trump applauded his deputy for leaving the match between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers in Indianapolis
US Vice President Mike Pence walked out of an NFL game in protest against players who refused to stand during the national anthem.
The 58-year-old left the match between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers in Indianapolis, along with his wife Karen, on Sunday.
Mr Pence showed complete loyalty to Donald Trump, who took credit for Mr Pence's bold protest.
Justifying his actions, on Twitter the 58-year-old deputy said he and President Trump will not "dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag or our National Anthem".
Colts players stood arm-in-arm at their home game as more than 20 of the 49ers knlet during the song, as they have for the last few weeks.
Mr Pence, who was born in Indiana, was excited to watch the game and tweeted a photo alongside his wife before it started.
But disheartened at the players actions, he added on Twitter: "While everyone is entitled to their own opinions, I don't think it's too much to ask NFL players to respect the Flag and our National Anthem.
"I stand with President Trump, I stand with our soldiers, and I will always stand for our Flag and our National Anthem."
Taking credit for Mr Pence's protest, Trump tweeted he was so proud of Mr Pence and his wife Karen, for walking out.
Trump tweeted: "I asked @VP Pence to leave stadium if any players kneeled, disrespecting our country. I am proud of him and @SecondLady Karen."
Mr Pence's brash move comes weeks after the US President called on league owners to fire players who knelt during pre-game playings of the US national anthem.
The symbolic gesture during the anthem was adopted by some African-American players to protest against racism in the US - especially within the police department.
Last week three Miami Dolphins players defied the US President and knelt, while locking arms, during the US national anthem.
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