Megan Rapinoe, a renowned former soccer player, has weighed in on the ongoing controversy involving the USA men’s hockey team, which was sparked by a video showing the players speaking on a speakerphone call with President Donald Trump after their recent gold medal win. In the call, Trump invited the men’s hockey players to the White House while also insinuating that he needed to invite the women’s hockey team, who also won gold, to avoid political backlash. The reaction of the men's hockey players to Trump's remark has been considered dismissive towards the women's team, further igniting discussions in the media regarding gender equality in sports.

Rapinoe expressed her disappointment over the situation, suggesting that the men’s hockey players allowed Trump to exploit their significant achievement for his own gain. She described the team's success as a 'once-in-a-lifetime achievement', emphasizing that it should have been a moment of pure pride. Instead, she criticized the team for seemingly undermining their own accomplishment by allowing a political figure to co-opt their victory.

This incident reflects a broader issue surrounding the visibility and treatment of women in sports compared to their male counterparts. Rapinoe’s remarks serve as a reminder of the ongoing gender disparities in athletics, where female achievements are often overshadowed or dismissed. Her commentary not only aims to highlight this specific incident but also advocates for a stronger acknowledgment of women’s contributions in the sports arena.