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The soccer champion said she wouldn't visit the White House of an administration that doesn't share the core values of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team.Â
Soccer champion Megan Rapinoe made headlines this week when a reporter at the World Cup asked her if she was excited about the possibility of going to the White House and she responded, "I'm not going to the fucking White House." Her retort caused Donald Trump to unleash a tweet storm at her in which he accused her of being unpatriotic. Now, in a press conference, Rapinoe has doubled down on her refusal to visit Trump's White House.
"I stand by the comments that I made about not wanting to go to the White House with the exception of the expletive. My mom will be really upset about that," Rapinoe said.
"I'm not going to the fucking White House. No. Not going to the White House. We're not going to be invited. I doubt it," Rapinoe said earlier this week.
Trump responded by claiming that he brought "black unemployment" to its lowest level in history, which appeared to be his rejoinder to Rapinoe's refusal to sing the National Anthem as a protest against police brutality. He then attacked Rapinoe's patriotism, although she's proudly represented the United States in two Olympic Games and three World Cup tournaments.
"We haven't yet invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose," Trump tweeted. "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!"
At the recent press conference, Rapinoe said that she began her previous remarks 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."
"I don't think I would want to go [to the White House] and 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, that doesn't fight for the same things that we fight for," Rapinoe said.
Team USA plays France in a highly anticipated match today.
\u201cMegan Rapinoe: "I stand by the comments I made about not wanting to go to the White House, with the exception of the expletive. My mom will be very upset about that."\nVia Daily Mail\u201d— Kyle Griffin (@Kyle Griffin) 1561666808
