Megan Rapinoe: 'I'm not going to the f—ing White House'

Alexis Mansanarez

Megan Rapinoe: 'I'm not going to the f—ing White House' image

Megan Rapinoe gave a frank answer when it came to a potential White House visit.

In an interview with the magazine Eight by Eight, the U.S. soccer star was asked if she was excited about going to the nation's capital if the team were to win the World Cup.

"I'm not going to the f—ing White House," Rapinoe said. "No. I'm not going to the White House.

"We're not going to be invited."

Rapinoe has called herself a "walking protest." 

She was inspired by former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's protest bringing attention to police brutality and racial inequality, and became the first white athlete to kneel during the national anthem before a sporting event in 2016.

Rapinoe continues to protest the national anthem in her own way at the World Cup. She stands in silence while other members of the national team place their hands over their hearts and sing "The Star-Spangled Banner."

President Donald Trump responded to her actions Tuesday.

"No. I don't think so," Trump told The Hill when asked if Rapinoe should protest during the national anthem.

He went on to say he loves watching women's soccer.

"They're really talented," he told The Hill.

Rapinoe's Eight by Eight interview also touched on the expectations that drive the team to chase another world title.

The US had its closest match of the tournament Monday when Spain scored the first goal of the tournament against the international power house.

Rapinoe scored the team's only goals in that match, which the US went on to win 2-1, to move on to the quarterfinals.

"We have a great burden of expectation but I think that also brings out the best in you and we just except to win every single game," she told Eight by Eight. "So if we're down two-nil with 10 minutes left, we expect to win that game.

"We've been in those situations before and it's just sort of ingrained in us."

 

Alexis Mansanarez