Washington, D.C. Feb 26 (V7N) — President Donald Trump abruptly canceled the Philadelphia Eagles’ visit to the White House after multiple players and coaches planned to skip the event, the latest flashpoint in a national debate over athlete protests.

The Super Bowl-winning team was set to attend a celebration at the White House, but Trump rescinded the invitation, citing disagreements over standing for the national anthem.

"The Philadelphia Eagles are unable to come to the White House with their full team because they disagree with their President because he insists that they proudly stand for the National Anthem," Trump said in a statement at the time.

Rather than honoring the Eagles, Trump hosted an event featuring the U.S. Marine Band and Army Chorus, calling it a tribute to the nation.

Fans gathered on the South Lawn for the event, where Trump led a rendition of the national anthem and "God Bless America". The White House said the gathering was meant to "celebrate America."

The controversy stemmed from the broader NFL protest movement, where players knelt during the anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality. While no Eagles players had taken a knee during the previous season, some had been vocal about social issues.

Trump’s move sparked sharp reactions from both supporters and critics. Some fans praised him for taking a hardline stance, while others saw it as an attempt to silence peaceful protest.

The clash was part of a wider rift between Trump and professional athletes. In 2017, Trump lashed out at NFL players who kneeled, calling for team owners to "fire" them. Several championship teams in other sports, including the Golden State Warriors, also skipped White House visits under his administration.

Despite the controversy, the Eagles remained focused on football. At the start of the 2018 season, the team did not publicly engage in further political disputes, though several players continued their activism off the field.

END/SD/RH/