A delegation from Juventus Football Club, including U.S. internationals Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah, head coach Igor Tudor, and club executives, visited the White House on Wednesday ahead of their Club World Cup opener against Al Ain at Audi Field. The visit, intended to honor the team’s achievements, took an unexpected turn when President Donald Trump broached the sensitive topic of transgender athletes in women’s sports.
Juventus Meets President Trump As He Discuss Sports and Politics
Juventus, currently in Washington, D.C., for their Club World Cup match, was joined by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the Oval Office meeting. The delegation presented President Trump with a Juventus jersey bearing the number 47, symbolizing their respect and the significance of the visit. However, the atmosphere shifted when President Trump transitioned from discussing international affairs to posing a provocative question to the players.
The Controversial Question: “Could a Woman Make Your Team?”
During the meeting, President Trump asked the Juventus players, “Could a woman make your team, fellas?” The question, seemingly casual, touched on the contentious issue of transgender women participating in men’s sports. Juventus General Manager Damien Comolli responded diplomatically, highlighting the strength of Juventus’ women’s team, the reigning Serie A champions. President Trump, however, pressed further, suggesting that women should play with women, to which Comolli did not offer a direct reply.
Juventus’ Response: Diplomacy Amidst Discomfort
The players and staff appeared uncomfortable with the line of questioning. While no direct answers were provided, the diplomatic responses underscored the team’s desire to avoid engaging in politically charged debates. This incident highlights the challenges athletes face when intersecting with political discourse, especially on sensitive issues like transgender rights in sports.
Executive Order 14201: “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports”
President Trump’s inquiry aligns with his administration’s stance on transgender athletes. In February 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14201, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” which prohibits transgender women from participating in women’s sports teams. The order has been met with significant controversy and legal challenges, with opponents arguing that it infringes upon the rights of transgender individuals .en.wikipedia.org
Mixed Responses From The “Woke” Mob
The White House visit and the ensuing conversation have sparked varied reactions. Some view President Trump’s comments as an attempt to address what he perceives as an imbalance in sports fairness, while others see it as an infringement on transgender rights. The incident has reignited debates over the inclusion of transgender athletes in competitive sports and the role of politics in sports governance.
As the Club World Cup progresses, Juventus remains focused on their performance on the field. However, the White House visit serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between sports and politics. Athletes and sports organizations continue to navigate these intersections, balancing their commitment to their sport with the broader societal issues that influence it.
