President Donald Trump criticized U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe in a three-tweet blast on Wednesday morning after she said in an interview, using an obscenity, that she would not go to the White House if the United States wins the Women’s World Cup.
Trump said Rapinoe “should never disrespect our country, the White House or our flag.”
“I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women’s Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job!" Trump wrote, and then said he would invite the team to the White House win or lose. The United States plays the host France on Friday in a bid to advance to the semi-finals.
He made a range of comments – touching on the NBA, too – and concluded by urging Rapinoe to “be proud of the flag that you wear.”
Trump took to Twitter after a video of Rapinoe’s interview went viral. In it, she used an obscenity to dismiss the idea of visiting the White House.
Rapinoe, 33, has been an outspoken critic of the President and caused a stir in 2016 when she became one of the few white players to join Colin Kaepernick and others when they were leading a continuing protest against racism and police violence by kneeling for the national anthem at sporting events.
Rapinoe, a co-captain of the team, is also a party to its gender-discrimination lawsuit against U.S. Soccer. She is gay and is an outspoken supporter of LGBT rights.
