Women's World Cup 2019: Ali Krieger explains why she spoke out against President Trump with colorful tweet

Chelsea Howard

Women's World Cup 2019: Ali Krieger explains why she spoke out against President Trump with colorful tweet image

U.S. women's national team defender Ali Krieger fired off a colorful tweet after President Donald Trump criticized Megan Rapinoe for protesting during the national anthem at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. 

Days later, Krieger explained her thought-process behind the tweet with the main emphasis being she wanted to defend her teammate. 

“I thought it was really important for me to not make her feel like she has to process this all alone. A lot of us have similar feelings,” Krieger said (via USA Today). “I thought it was important to show support, and I don’t want to stay quiet.”

Trump went on a Twitter rant earlier this week in response to comments Rapinoe said months ago about how she wouldn't go to the White House if she were to be invited. Trump wrote: "Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team." 

In response, Krieger wrote: "In regards to the “President’s” tweet today, I know women who you cannot control or grope anger you, but I stand by @mPinoe & will sit this one out as well. I don’t support this administration nor their fight against LGBTQ+ citizens, immigrants & our most vulnerable."

The national team has insisted its stayed in a "bubble" and isn't letting the media attention play a role in the team's performance on the field. 

“It doesn’t take lot of mindspace to tweet something like that, that’s really important, and then refocus and turn it off,” Krieger said. “Women can multitask. Imagine that, that we can do two things at once."

Rapinoe carried the U.S. through the quarterfinals as she scored back-to-back goals to help the Americans defeat France and advance to the semifinals. 

“To come out with this response – for her to just take the team on her back and prove why she’s one of the best players in the world, and also just a great representation of what our country is all about with togetherness and fight and having that mentality of winning," Krieger said of Rapinoe. "I’m grateful to be one of her friends.”

The Americans will continue to put the distractions away as the face England in the semifinals Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET.

 

Chelsea Howard