US Soccer Star Megan Rapinoe Reveals She Thinks Her Father Voted for Trump

Megan Rapinoe #15 of the U.S. Women's National Team kneels during the playing of the U.S. National Anthem before a match against Thailand at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on September 15, 2016. Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

U.S. women’s soccer co-captain Megan Rapinoe revealed in a recent interview that she thinks her father voted for President Donald Trump during the 2016 election, something she, as a staunch progressive, has a hard time understanding.

“I’m very similar to how they are,” she said, referring to her parents, “even though I think my dad voted for Trump and I’ll say: ‘I don’t get it. How are you simultaneously as proud as punch of me, and watching Fox News all the time, [who are doing] takedowns of your daughter?’ That’s why I’m like: ‘You guys need to go to therapy,’” Rapinoe, 34, said in the interview with the Guardian when asked about the origins of her politics.

Rapinoe, who has been an outspoken critic of Trump, made headlines earlier this year after she said she would not visit the White House if her team wins the World Cup, sparking a public feud with the president. The soccer star has used her influence for political activism and has been a frequent critic of Trump.

Back in 2016, she garnered extensive attention when she became the first white athlete to kneel during the anthem in support of NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick started kneeling during the anthem to protest against perceived racism and discrimination by law enforcement toward African Americans. Kaepernick’s protest was criticized by many as misdirected and disrespectful of the country as a whole.

In June this year, Rapinoe also received condemnation after she refused to sing the national anthem before the team’s first World Cup match against Thailand.

The 34-year-old expressed confusion as to why her parents are not progressives.

“I feel like I grew up with all of these lessons [about equality], but nothing was ever spoken. No language was ever put around it,” Rapinoe told the newspaper. “Both of my parents should be really progressive–especially my mom–and I don’t get that they’re not. I’m always saying: ‘You guys should really be Democrats!’ But they’re not, so what’s happening?”

She said that although she and her parents have differences in political views, she is still close to her family.

“There’s been some major blow-ups. There’s definitely been some dust-ups,” she said, adding, “I’m very close to my family. It’s not like: ‘Ugh, I’m from a conservative town and I never talk to them any more.’”

“I talk to my parents all the time, every day. And I feel like I have seen progress and growth,” she added.

Trump has criticized Rapinoe for her actions but has continued to support and praised U.S. women’s soccer team for their hard work and success in the sport. He congratulated the team after the U.S. victory at the women’s World Cup, saying that he was proud of all of them.

After Rapinoe said she would not visit the White House if her team won, Trump took the opportunity to admonish her for conduct that he says disrespects the White House, the flag, and the country.

“Women’s soccer player, @mPinoe, just stated that she is ‘not going to the [expletive] White House if we win.’ Other than the NBA, which now refuses to call owners, owners (please explain that I just got Criminal Justice Reform passed, Black unemployment is at the lowest level in our Country’s history, and the poverty index is also best number EVER), leagues and teams love coming to the White House,” Trump wrote on Twitter at the time.

“I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women’s Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job!”

“Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team. Be proud of the Flag that you wear. The USA is doing GREAT!” he added.