Megan Rapinoe issued a statement ahead of this afternoon's World Cup quarter-final press conference, standing by her comments about not wanting to go to the White House.
The USA captain caused quite a stir when she previously stated, "Psssh, I'm not going to the ******* White House," should her side secure the trophy in France.
American President Donald Trump responded to Rapinoe by telling her through social media to "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!"
Trump subsequently invited the team to the White House irrespective of whether they win or lose the summer showpiece.
A French reporter told Rapinoe she's become more popular in France since she spoke out against Trump. Her reply: "I think I was already popular in France before this, right?" She flashes a big smile. "Come on! I played here. They try not to like me but I think they do."
— Caitlin Murray (@caitlinmurr) June 27, 2019
USA face the hosts for a place in the semi-finals and Rapinoe took a moment before the press conference to issue a statement before facing questions about the game.
"I'll just address it head on and then we can get to the soccer questions," said Rapinoe.
"Obviously, a lot of news recently. I stand by my 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.
"Bit 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 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 and doesn't fight for the same things we fight for."
Coach Jill Ellis stated: "We all support Megan, she knows that, we know we have each other's backs in there."
