Kirsters B’s Opinion| United States women’s national soccer star Megan Rapinoe spoke to the media this week, saying that she will officially be accepting an invitation extended by Congress to come visit. The invitation came after the US women’s soccer team took the gold in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Rapinoe added, however, that she would not be visiting the White House.
“I think most of the team, if not everybody, I think everybody is with me. We don’t want to go to the White House, so I figure that’s why the invitation hasn’t come, maybe [they] sent it by mail and it’s just sort of slowly to get here, but I doubt it,” the soccer player said.
“Thank you [Sen.] Chuck Schumer for inviting us out. We are very happy to accept your invitation to come,” Rapinoe continued.
According to the Washington Examiner, “Rapinoe had previously said she is ‘not going to the f—— White House’ and that there would be ‘no f——— way’ the team would be invited in the first place.”
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Teammate Alex Morgan shared a similar sentiment to Rapinoe.
“Yeah, I don’t want to like, necessarily speak for the entire team. Obviously, we all have our own opinions and I’m sure that they’ll get shared eventually. I’ve said my piece. I don’t feel necessarily welcome there and so I don’t believe that I will be individually attending,” Morgan said.
President Donald Trump has targeted Rapinoe in the past for her anthem protests and her harsh criticism of the White House. In June, the President tweeted that although he and Rapinoe didn’t exactly see eye to eye, he was planning on inviting the team to the White House to honor tradition.
Trump tweeted at the time, “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…”
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
Trump contiuned, “…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!”
….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
The United States took the gold against the Netherlands in the final game of the championship with a final score of 2-0 on Sunday.