Megan Rapinoe of the USA slides to control the ball during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group F match between USA and Thailand at Stade Auguste Delaune in Reims, France on June 11, 2019. Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
U.S. women’s soccer co-captain Megan Rapinoe said on July 6 that she believes “not many if any” of her teammates would accept President Donald Trump’s invitation to visit the White House.
Rapinoe, who made headlines saying she would not visit the White House if her team wins the World Cup and sparking a public feud with the president, doubled down on her comments during a press conference in Lyon, France, reported AFP.
She said she has not spoken to all her teammates about the invite but believes not many would take up the offer.
“I haven’t spoken to everyone about it, obviously not myself, not Ali Krieger, and I suspect not many, if any, of the other players,” Rapinoe said during the press conference.
Ocasio-Cortez extended the invitation on June 28 after news the U.S. women’s soccer team had defeated France 2-1 in a World Cup match.
“It may not be the White House, but we’d be happy to welcome mPinoe & the entire USWMNT for a tour of the House of Representatives anytime they’d like,” the freshman congresswoman posted on her Twitter.
Rapinoe accepted the invitation hours later. She said, “Consider it done [AOC].”
President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he walks to Marine One prior to departing from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on July 5, 2019. Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
The woman’s team co-captain drew criticism for saying she would not visit the White House if her team wins the World Cup in late June.
“I’m not going to the [expletive] White House,” Rapinoe told Eight By Eight Magazine. “No. I’m not going to the White House. We’re not going to be invited… I doubt it.”
Responding to the comments, Trump took the opportunity to admonish the soccer star for conduct that he believes 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 said. “I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women’s Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job!”
He then extended an invitation to the U.S. women’s soccer team to visit the White House regardless of whether the team brings back the World Cup.
“We haven’t yet invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose,” he said. “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!”
Rapinoe is openly critical of the president and garnered extensive attention after she refused to sing the “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the team’s first World Cup match against Thailand on June 11. She also received backlash for becoming the first white athlete to kneel during the anthem in 2016, in support of NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who started kneeling during the anthem to protest against perceived racism and inequality by law enforcement toward African Americans.
In response to her protest, Trump described it as not appropriate in an interview with The Hill.
Janita Kan
Writer
Janita Kan is a former reporter for The Epoch Times.
