Megan Rapinoe has stood by her comments that she would not visit the White House and President Donald Trump if the United States win the Women's World Cup and encouraged her team-mates to seriously consider rejecting the invitation as well.
The 33-year-old has hit out at Trump before, labelling him a "sexist" and "misogynistic", as well as insisting she is a "walking protest".
And after insisting she is "not going to the f***ing White House" if the USWNT win in France, Rapinoe has reiterated her thoughts and emphasised the importance of their status and the role they can play in society.
“I stand by the comments that I made about not wanting to go to the White House, with exception of the expletive,” Rapinoe said. “My mom would be very upset about that.
“But I think obviously answering 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 that I would want to go 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 and fight for the same things we fight for.”
Trump had previously hit out at Rapinoe's initial comments about the White House, urging her to focus on winning.
“Megan should WIN first before she TALKS!” Mr. Trump wrote before extending the invitation to the USWNT whether they “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,” Mr. Trump added.“Be proud of the Flag that you wear.”
