Megan Rapinoe has never been one to shy away from controversy, and she isn’t starting now. The former USWNT star and World Cup winner has once again taken aim at former President Donald Trump, this time over his recent executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s college sports.
In a candid interview with soccer outlet MUNDIAL, Rapinoe blasted Trump’s move as “cruel and depraved,” making it clear that while he can issue executive orders, he can’t erase transgender people from existence.
“If you strip it all back, it’s just kind of cruel and depraved,” Rapinoe said. “This isn’t an issue, and you aren’t going to be able to Executive Order trans people out of existence.”
Megan Rapinoe’s Ongoing Advocacy
A longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Rapinoe has been vocal about her disdain for Trump for years. She has consistently used her platform to fight for equal rights, especially in sports, where she believes transgender athletes deserve inclusion rather than exclusion.
Rapinoe also pointed out the broader struggle for equality in women’s sports. “We’ve just gone through a very long period, over ten years, of really needing to fight just to get to a baseline of, like, equal rights and non-discriminatory behavior,” she said. “And when people stop just (expletive) on women’s sports. I think we are sort of at that moment.”
While Trump’s executive order is legally enforceable for now, future administrations could overturn it with relative ease. Unless passed into federal law, executive orders lack permanence, leaving the door open for future changes in policy.
Rapinoe’s remarks have reignited debates surrounding transgender participation in sports, with supporters praising her stance and critics arguing for stricter regulations. Regardless of where public opinion lands, one thing is clear: Megan Rapinoe isn’t backing down.
As one of the most influential voices in women’s sports, Rapinoe continues to challenge authority and advocate for what she believes is right. Her latest comments only add to her legacy of fearless activism, ensuring that the conversation around equality in sports will not go away anytime soon.
