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Megan Rapinoe still stands by White House comments

Trump extended an invite to the women’s soccer team win or lose

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Megan Rapinoe
Megan Rapinoe
Megan Rapinoe (Photo by Erica McCaulley)

Out U.S. women’s national team co-captain Megan Rapinoe is standing by her comments she made about the White House following President Donald Trump’s responding tweets.

On Tuesday Rapinoe was asked if she planned on going to the White House if the U.S. won the World Cup. Rapinoe responded she was “not going to the f-ing White House.”

Trump responded to her declaration with a series of tweets inviting the team to the White House whether they win or lose.

“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 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,” Trump tweeted.

“We haven’t yet 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!” he concluded.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday Rapinoe doubled down on her comment.

“I stand by the comments that I made about not wanting to go to the White House, with the exception of the explicit – my mom will be upset about that,” Rapinoe said. “Obviously entering with a lot of passion considering how much time and effort and pride we take in the platform that we have and using it for good and for leaving the game in a better place and hopefully the world in a better place.”

She continued: “I don’t think that I would want to go (to the White House), but I would encourage my teammates to think hard about lending that platform or having that co-opted by an administration that doesn’t feel the same way or fight for the same things that we fight for. I’ll just leave it at that and I’m not interested in answering any of those questions. We can get to the real reason we’re here, which is a huge game.”

Rapinoe was also asked why she chooses to protest during the national anthem by standing with her hands behind her back, instead of one hand over her heart, and not singing.

“I prefer to keep it about the game for now,” Rapinoe said.

USWNT coach Jill Ellis also made it clear that she and the team support Rapinoe.

“The personality of our players, that’s part of the makeup of the players,” Ellis said.”They’re elite people that live on a stage that are always under scrutiny. This team has a remarkable focus. We all support Megan. She knows that. We know we have each others backs in there. For our players, there’s only one purpose, one mission that we’re here. Comments, media, whatever – that’s always been something we can block out pretty easily.”

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Bars & Parties

Queer Magic dance party planned

Tarot, dancing, drag and more at Black Cat event

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Celebrate the start of Pride month at the Queer Magic Dance Party at the Black Cat on Saturday, June 6. Doors open at 9 p.m.

There will be pole performances and demonstrations, a free photo booth with glitter bar, a queer vendor market, tarot readings by Skye Marinda Tarot, a drag performance by Sapphica, and dancing to a blend of smooth R&B, Afrobeats, hip-hop and pop by Slammer & Saba. Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 (plus fees) in advance, purchased here.

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Out & About

NLGJA-DC Pride happy hour at Trade

Local queer journalists celebrate Pride

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(Washington Blade file photo by Daniel Truitt)


Local queer journalists will celebrate Pride this weekend at the annual NLGJA-DC Pride Happy Hour event at Trade (1410 14th St., N.W.) on Saturday, June 6, 3-5 p.m. Admission is free. 

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Out & About

DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K set for Saturday

Annual event held at historic Congressional Cemetery

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The 14th annual DC Front Runners' Pride 5K run/walk is set for Saturday. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

The 14th annual DC Front Runners’ Pride 5K run/walk is set for Saturday, June 6 at historic Congressional Cemetery. The race starts and ends at the cemetery (1801 E St., S.E.) and passes through scenic D.C., along the Anacostia River trail and the fields at RFK campus. Registration ends Friday at 11:59 p.m. 

Runners can pick up their race packets on Saturday from 7-8:30 a.m. at Congressional Cemetery; the race begins at 9 a.m.

The fee to run the 5K in person is $65 ($35 for those under age 20). Proceeds benefit local LGBTQ nonprofits, including Thrive DC, Wanda Alston Foundation, Blade Foundation, Ainsley’s Angels, SMYAL, and Team DC. Visit DCFrontRunners.org for more information.

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