U.S. women’s national soccer player Megan Rapinoe told reporters she will officially accept the invitation to visit Congress after winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup, but will not accept any invitation to 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,” Rapinoe said.
“Thank you [Sen.] Chuck Schumer for inviting us out. We are very happy to accept your invitation to come,” she added.
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.
Teammate Alex Morgan echoed Rapinoe’s sentiments.
“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,” she said.
President Trump has called out Rapinoe for protesting during the national anthem and for criticizing him. Trump tweeted in June that despite his disagreements with her, he intends to invite the soccer team 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.” 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
….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 U.S. team beat the Netherlands in the final game 2-0 on Sunday.
