Trump insists his attacks on NFL players aren't distracting him: 'I have plenty of time -- all I do is work'

President Donald Trump on Tuesday defended his decision to devote so much time to attacking NFL players at a time when Puerto Rico is undergoing a massive crisis brought about by Hurricane Maria.

When asked why he has obsessively attacked NFL players who have knelt during the national anthem over the past five days, Trump said it was a "very important" issue that needed to be addressed.

"I don't think you can disrespect our country, our flag, our national anthem," Trump explained. "To me, the NFL situation is a very important situation."

Trump then defended his decision to spend so much time on the issue when there are other matters seemingly more deserving of his attention.

"I've heard that before, 'Was I preoccupied?' Not at all, not at all," Trump said. "I have plenty of time on my hands, and all I do is work."