June 26 – US president Donald Trump hit back at US women’s team co-captain Megan Rapinoe, telling her in a tweet to “respect the flag” after Rapinoe said she would not visit the White House if they won the World Cup.
The American star had used colourful language to dismiss the idea of a courtesy White House visits if the heavily fancied US, who play hosts France in the quarter-finals, retain the World Cup this month. Before the tournament forward Alex Morgan had already said that she would not accept an invitation from the president.
Trump didn’t take the comments well and blasted Rapinoe in a typical three-Tweet tirade, saying that Rapinoe “should never disrespect our country, the White House or our flag.” He wrote that Rapinoe should “win before she talks” but later added that he would invite the team whether they “win or lose” the tournament.
“I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women’s Soccer,” Donald Trump tweeted, “but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job!’’
At 33, Rapinoe enjoys a major profile off the field and has long been outspoken about social injustice issues. She has also been a fierce critique of Donald Trump. In 2016, she joined Colin Kaepernick as one of few white athletes in taking a knee during the national anthem at sporting events to protest against racism and police violence. Rapinoe is a party to her team’s gender discrimination lawsuit against U.S. Soccer as well.
Rapinoe was part of the US team that visited the White House to meet Barack Obama in 2015 after winning the 2015 Canada World Cup, defeating Japan 5-2 in a scintillating final.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1713555448labto1713555448ofdlr1713555448owedi1713555448sni@o1713555448fni1713555448