Juventus Turin's White House Visit: The Unexpected Question on Transgender Athletes
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- Donald Trump
- Juventus Turin
- White House
- Press Conference
- Transgender Athletes
Can a female player join your squad? - "Is it possible for a female player to join your squad?" - Trump puzzled by peculiar query
During the unforgettable meetup at the White House, former Commander-in-Chief, Donald Trump, hit the Juventus Turin crew with an awkward query. With a twinkle in his eye, he inquired about the possibility of a woman joining their team, stating, "Y'all think a lady could make the cut, fellas?"[1][2][4] The room went silent, and the players seemed conflicted with their responses. But when Trump repeated his question, Juventus General Manager, Damien Comolli, stepped up with a diplomatic response, emphasizing the prowess of their women's team, who had recently ousted all competitors to claim the Serie A title.[1]
Trump didn't miss a beat, quickly reflecting on his stance, insisting that the women's team should compete only amongst women, given the controversial executive order he'd signed in February 2025, barring transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.[1][2][4] The session offerred an uncomfortable vibe and distinct political undertone, as cultures clashed, and Trump raised the issue at a time when the visiting team, consisting of U.S. national players like Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, were preparing for the Club World Cup.[2][3]
The exchange was a notable moment in the broader, somewhat peculiar White House event where Donald Trump raised international affairs, like the Iran conflict, with the Juventus crew and staff.[3] However, it was the question about transgender athletes that stood out due to the political sensitivity and the team's careful, diplomatic responses during the public exchange.[1][2]
- Despite the press conference's focus on international affairs and the Club World Cup, the question about transgender athletes from former President Donald Trump brought a politically sensitive topic into the spotlight, becoming the top news story in the world of sports and beyond.
- Amidst the European-leagues scene, the interview of Juventus Turin team at the White House by Donald Trump became a significant event, as he raised the issue of transgender athletes competing in sports, creating headlines beyond football and Serie-A.
