On Monday, President Donald Trump told The Hill in an interview that he does not approve of the actions by the co-captain of the U.S. women's soccer team, currently playing in the World Cup in France.

Trump said he loves watching women’s soccer and thinks the players are very talented, but that Megan Rapinoe — who has described herself as a “walking protest” to Trump’s policies — has acted inappropriately by kneeling during the national anthem.

In response to Rapinoe’s protest, the United States Soccer Federation adopted a policy that requires players to stand during the anthem. She stands now, but she has received new criticism for not singing and putting her hand over her heart like other players.

Fast forward to Wednesday, when in a video shared Wednesday she dismissed a potential visit to Washington, by saying: "I'm not going to the [expletive] White House."

President Trump quickly blasted Rapinoe in a series of tweets, saying “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 president's account deleted the original tweet in which he tagged the wrong Rapinoe account. That account holder had to quickly change her handle after gaining being attacked by a legion of new followers.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Kennesaw State head coach Antoine Pettway reacts after his team beat Georgia State  92-69 at VyStar Arena, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Kennesaw. (Colin Hubbard for the AJC)

Credit: Colin Hubbard

Featured

Former Fulton County election worker Ruby Freeman talks to her daughter, Wandrea ArShaye "Shaye" Moss, a former Georgia election worker, after she testified before the U.S. House Select Committee at its fourth hearing on its Jan. 6 investigation on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. (Yuri Gripas/Abaca Press/TNS)

Credit: TNS