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In reply to the discussion: Mnuchin: NFL players 'can do free speech on their own time' [View all]onenote
(42,296 posts)Read the statute:
First, it requires that the intent to influence an employment decision or employment action solely on the basis of "partisan political affiliation" -- Trump didn't single out Democrats -- and kneeling (or supporting those who do) doesn't in and of itself make you a Democrat.
Second, the law, plainly, applies where the attempt to influence an employment decision is effectuated by taking or withholding (or threatening to take or withhold) an "official act", or to influence or offer or threaten to influence another to take or withhold an "official act" -- again, Trump didn't do that here.
In 2007, US Senator Barack Obama publicly suggested that CBS Radio had not gone far enough when it merely suspended, rather than fire, Don Imus for his racist rants. Obama's comments were lawful. The difference is that his were appropriate while Trump's were wildly abhorrent.