Trump on the NBA: "The way they bowed to China is a disgrace"

• Players this season were permitted to wear social justice messages on their jerseys, including "Black Lives Matter," but messaging about China was strictly prohibited, drawing a rebuke from Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.).

The big picture: Trump also again criticized NBA players kneeling for the national anthem in protest of racial inequality, calling them "very, very nasty and, frankly, very dumb."

• The president called NBA players "disgraceful" last week for kneeling during the anthem.
• NBA star LeBron James responded: "I can sit here and speak for all of us that love the game of basketball, we could care less."
• Trump also had harsh words for the NFL's anthem protests: "If they don't stand for the national anthem, I hope they don't open."