Trump: UCLA Players Should Thank Chinese President Xi

President Donald Trump on Thursday morning tweeted a message to the UCLA basketball players who had been detained in China on suspicion of shoplifting, telling them they should thank Chinese President Xi Jinping for their release.

To the three UCLA basketball players I say: You're welcome, go out and give a big Thank You to President Xi Jinping of China who made.....

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2017

....your release possible and, HAVE A GREAT LIFE! Be careful, there are many pitfalls on the long and winding road of life!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2017

The three players — freshmen LiAngelo Ball, Cody Riley, and Jalen Hill — were returned to the U.S. after being detained by police on Nov. 7.

After the players returned, they publicly apologized and were suspended from the UCLA basketball team.

"I'm confident that they have already begun to use this experience as a life lesson," said coach Steve Alford.

• Trump on UCLA Players Arrested in China: Will They Thank Me?
• At Trump’s Urging, 3 UCLA Players Have Departed China