Trump Hosts Juventus FC at the White House
President Donald Trump welcomed the Italian football club Juventus FC at the White House on Wednesday, coinciding with the team’s visit to the U.S. for the Club World Cup.
During their time in the Oval Office, players gathered behind Trump’s desk as he launched into a lengthy discussion about trans athletes participating in women’s sports. This topic arose amidst broader comments regarding former President Joe Biden.
Trump asserted, “He was never for open borders, so I think he would never have thought that everyone would have never for men who are transgender or playing in women’s sports.” He then turned to the Juventus players, asking, “Can women build your team?” The players exchanged glances but remained silent.
Later, the president addressed the team’s general manager, Damien Comolli, with the same question. Comolli responded, “We have a very good team of women,” but Trump pressed, “But should they be playing with women?” Comolli did not respond directly. Trump then laughed, remarking on their diplomatic demeanor.
This event underscored Trump’s focus on his administration’s stance against trans athletes in female sports. On February 5, he signed an executive order titled “Turning Men out of Women’s Sports,” which was part of a broader campaign strategy for the 2024 elections. This order led the NCAA to revise its gender eligibility policies.
However, Trump’s executive order has faced significant opposition from Democratic leaders across the nation. His administration is currently embroiled in lawsuits in states like Maine, with Minnesota’s Attorney General also being sued over the matter. Additionally, federal surveys regarding Title IX have affected high school sports leagues in states such as California and Massachusetts.
A recent New York Times/Ipsos Survey indicates that a large majority of Americans, including many Democrats, oppose allowing trans athletes to compete in women’s sports. Among 2,128 respondents, 79% stated that biological men should not participate in female sports. Notably, 67% of Democrats and 94% of Republicans shared this view.
