This week I’ve avoided writing about the unfolding drama between U.S. Soccer legend Megan Rapinoe and Donald Trump because I could see this train wreck coming from the minute this clip appeared in my timeline. I was hoping the focus would stay on the success of the team and not turn into a pissing match with the tweeter-in-chief who never misses an opportunity to play the victim. To bring you up to speed, Megan Rapinoe was asked if she “was excited about going to the White House” (if the U.S. women’s team brings home the World Cup trophy). The outspoken star gruffly replied, “We’re not going to the fucking White House.”
You know what’s coming next, right?
Of course Donald Trump went on the Twitter offensive, tagging Megan Rapinoe and saying she disrespected her country, flag, and the White House. Except, he tagged the wrong Megan Rapinoe. He tagged Megan Rapino. The wrong Megan Rapinoe fired back with a rightful smackdown.
How is he so bad at this? Tweeting is allegedly his strength, right?
There is no reason for Megan Rapinoe to visit the White House. She’s been an outspoken activist for years, promoting both LGBTQ equality and social justice. She’s one of the few white athletes who has had the courage to take a knee during the national anthem in solidarity with black athletes fighting for racial justice. And she has, of course, taken hits for it over the years. Nevertheless, she’s persisted.
Here’s to hoping we get the focus back on the women vying to claim the best in the world title and bring home that World Cup trophy. They will be playing a very tough, skilled French team on Friday afternoon at 3 PM ET. Tune in and cheer them on in the quarterfinals, will you?