Trump Invites Women's Soccer Team to WH, but Adds Special Message for Anti-Anthem Player
The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup soccer tournament is currently underway in France, and barring any unforeseen outcomes, the U.S. Women’s National Team is the odds-on favorite to once again win it all.
As amazing as the team’s play has been thus far, one of its stars — forward Megan Rapinoe — has chosen to utilize the platform provided by the tournament to focus on herself, namely her outspoken opposition to President Donald Trump and her ongoing protest of the American flag and national anthem.
And, as he has a tendency to do, Trump has seemingly flipped that negative into a positive.
In a recent interview with Eight by Eight Magazine, Rapinoe was asked about the possibility of being invited to the White House if her team won it all.
“No f—in’ way will we be invited to the White House,” she replied.
“[Trump] tries to avoid inviting a team that might decline. Or, like he did when the [NBA’s Golden State] Warriors turned him down, he’ll claim they hadn’t been invited in the first place.”
In a tweeted video excerpt from the interview, Rapinoe said, “I’m not going to the f—ing White House. No. I’m not going to the White House. We’re not going to be invited. I doubt it.”
Of course, the Trump-hating liberal media has run with Rapinoe’s explicit commentary because it furthers their narrative.
But the president issued a response of his own Wednesday that may very well have pulled the rug right out from under Rapinoe’s confident assertions that her team won’t be invited to the White House.
“Women’s soccer player, @mPinoe, just stated that she is ‘not going to the F…ing White House if we win,'” Trump tweeted.
Women’s soccer player, @mPinoe, just stated that she is “not going to the F…ing 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…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 26, 2019
He proceeded to note that, other than the NBA — and the aforementioned Golden State Warriors — the vast majority of “leagues and teams love coming to the White House.”
In what appeared to be a comment directed at Rapinoe herself, Trump wrote, “I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women’s Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job!”
….in our Country’s history, and the poverty index is also best number EVER), leagues and teams love coming to the White House. I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women’s Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job! We haven’t yet….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 26, 2019
“We haven’t yet … invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose,” the president continued.
“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!” Trump added.
….invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose. 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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 26, 2019
Trump just called out Rapinoe in a manner that only he can.
He disproved her theory that the Women’s National Team wouldn’t even receive an invitation if they won by preemptively inviting the entire team — her included — regardless of how the team ultimately finishes out the tournament.
Trump also appeared to give her some rather pertinent advice that she and her teammates would be wise to take to heart.
Namely, Rapinoe should not get too overconfident about winning it all just yet.
Even though the team is strongly favored to win, there is always the chance that an upset could happen.
As for his remarks about disrespecting the country, White House and flag, that’s pretty much standard fare when it comes to the president.
Trump, of course, has long been critical of high-profile athletes who want to use sports as a platform to protest against the nation and its values that have provided them with such bountiful opportunity.
Whether the Women’s National Team takes up the president on his invitation to the White House — win or lose — remains to be seen.
Even if they do, it appears doubtful that Rapinoe will join her teammates.
One thing is clear, however.
Trump will be watching and cheering the team on with the expectation that they will represent the nation in an honorable fashion.
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