President Obama’s spokesman defended flag-burning as free speech Tuesday and said Mr. Obama obviously disagrees with President-elect Donald Trump’s suggestion to revoke citizenship temporarily for flag burners.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest said while many Americans find flag burning offensive, “We have a responsibility as a country to protect our rights that are enshrined in the Constitution.”
Asked if Mr. Obama agrees with Mr. Trump’s suggested punishment, Mr. Earnest replied, “This is not the first thing that the President-elect has said or tweeted that President Obama disagrees with.”
He said further criticism of Mr. Trump on the subject might “materially undermine our ability to engage in a smooth and effective transition.”
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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