“Woman With Purple Hair Played Terribly”: Donald Trump Once Called Out Megan Rapinoe for Not Doing Her Job on Field

In 2021, the US Women’s National Soccer Team returned to Olympic soil to reclaim the title they lost out on in the last Games. Naturally, Megan Rapinoe, who played a decisive role in winning the US its back-to-back World Cup titles, made the roster. 

Unfortunately, the team failed to trigger another Olympic winning streak for America, earning a third place on the podium. And this gave enough fuel to former President Donald Trump to launch an attack against the players, especially veteran forward Megan Rapinoe.

Donald Trump criticized Megan Rapinoe for the loss

USWNT star Megan Rapinoe and former US President Donald Trump have a rocky history, and a bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics reignited their clash. Trump released a statement through his Save America PAC, calling the players “a radical group of Leftist Maniacs.”

He also specifically targeted Rapinoe, writing, “The woman with the purple hair played terribly and spends too much time thinking about radical left politics and not doing her job!” The said woman curled an in-swinging corner kick, scoring an ‘Olimpico’ in the bronze medal match against Australia.

Megan Rapinoe has long established herself as a legendary soccer player, taking home both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball at the 2019 FIFA World Cup. Along with her prowess on the field, she has been making headlines with her outspoken activism.

She simply brushed off the former President’s criticism. “It’s a real sad dig into an old bag,” Rapinoe told reporter Jack Doles. “I’m just like, ‘You’re rooting for people to do bad?’ Yikes.”

READ MORE: Megan Rapinoe Sends Emotional Message to WNBA Star Brittney Griner Detained in Russia: “I Don’t Know How You Are Doing It”

Rapinoe’s enmity with Trump began in 2019

In 2019, when the USWNT had already caught the trajectory of defending their title, Megan Rapinoe made headlines for an entirely different reason. She had long been a strict critic of Trump’s politics. So when a reporter asked her if she felt excited about going to the White House if and when their team won, she immediately denied the prospective invitation.

“I’m not going to the fucking White House.” She then added, “We’re not gonna be invited… I doubt it.” Her staunch refusal caught the attention of then-president Donald Trump, and he responded harshly through a series of tweets (Twitter has since suspended his account).

“I am a big fan of the American Team and Women’s Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job! We haven’t yet….invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose,” he wrote. “Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team.”

None of Trump’s words, however, have deterred Rapinoe from speaking up about the social injustices prevalent in the country. She continues to refrain from singing the national anthem before matches as a form of peaceful protest.

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