Former U.S. women's soccer star Megan Rapinoe has publicly criticized the U.S. men’s hockey team and former President Donald Trump over comments made after their gold medal win against Canada. In a podcast episode with WNBA player Sue Bird, Rapinoe took issue with Trump’s joke about inviting the women's team to the State of the Union, calling it 'trash.' She expressed disappointment that the men’s hockey team reacted positively to Trump's remarks, which she described as derogatory to the women's team's achievements.

Rapinoe highlighted how the U.S. men’s hockey team, despite achieving a significant milestone in their sports career, undermined their triumph by engaging with Trump’s offhand comments about the women’s team. She conveyed her frustration, suggesting that the team's response belittles the accomplishments of female athletes and reflects a larger issue of gender inequality in sports. This incident underscores the ongoing debate about how women’s sports are perceived and valued in comparison to men’s sports.

The ramifications of such comments go beyond mere criticisms; they point to a broader cultural conversation about respect and recognition for achievements in women’s sports. Rapinoe's remarks serve as a call to action for athletes, fans, and media alike to advocate for equal representation and respect for female athletes, emphasizing that all accomplishments deserve to be celebrated without the shadow of dismissive remarks.