Jun 29, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Former US Soccer player Megan Rapinoe is introduced to the crowd before the game against the Seattle Storm at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
(New York, New York) — Former U.S. Women’s National Team captain Megan Rapinoe is once again making headlines after sharply criticizing former President Donald Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel in remarks that have sparked backlash across social media.
Rapinoe, who served as a longtime leader of Team USA and helped secure multiple World Cup titles and an Olympic gold medal, said that if she were still captain, she “would have never allowed” Patel into the locker room or taken a phone call from Trump.
The comments come amid renewed political tensions surrounding the intersection of sports and politics, particularly as national teams and athletes increasingly face pressure to respond to political figures and policy debates.
A History of Clashes with Trump
Rapinoe and Trump have a well-documented history of public disagreement dating back to the 2019 Women’s World Cup. At the time, Rapinoe said she would not visit the White House if invited, prompting a fiery response from Trump on social media.
The exchange turned into one of the most prominent cultural flashpoints of that tournament, with supporters praising Rapinoe for standing her ground and critics accusing her of disrespecting the presidency.
Her latest remarks appear to echo that same defiant posture.
Reaction Online
The comments quickly ignited debate online.
Supporters applauded Rapinoe for what they view as consistent advocacy and refusal to engage with political figures she opposes. Critics, however, argued that national team leadership should remain separate from partisan politics and accused her of deepening political divisions within sports.
Some also questioned whether denying access or communication from elected officials would be appropriate protocol for a team captain, noting that interactions with government officials are often coordinated by governing bodies such as U.S. Soccer rather than individual players.
The Broader Sports-Politics Debate
Rapinoe has long been one of the most politically outspoken athletes in American sports, advocating for equal pay, LGBTQ+ rights, and progressive causes throughout her career.
Her comments highlight the ongoing debate over whether professional athletes — particularly those representing the United States internationally — should engage in political activism or remain politically neutral.
As of now, neither Trump nor Patel has publicly responded to the latest remarks.
