Trump's Unusual Question Sidelines Juventus at the Oval Office
Trump creates an embarrassing situation at a bizarre football match.
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link The Italian football powerhouse, Juventus Turin, finds themselves at the heart of an unexpected controversy during their visit to the Oval Office. Following a thrilling 5:0 victory against Al-Ain from the UAE in the Club World Cup, the team's interaction with US President Donald Trump stole the headlines.
Before the boys in black and white could change their training gear, Trump turned the spotlight on them. The President issued a decree in February prohibiting transgender athletes from women's sports. Seemingly wanting to emphasize his stance, Trump gathered the players behind him and posed his question: "Did y'all ever have a woman on your team, fellas? Spill the beans."
The players were thrown off balance, and silence covered the room. It was General Director Damien Comolli who eventually answered, "We've got a fantastic women's team here at Juventus, by the way." Trump seemed unmoved, "I guess they should play against women, huh?" Comolli remained diplomatic, and Trump chimed in with a laugh, "He's one smooth talker."
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, standing nearby, shared the awkwardness as the athletes found themselves unwillingly caught up in the political fray.
Playing Politics over Team Tactics
Far from being let off the hook, the football delegation was subjected to more political discussions. Trump carried on spewing his views on the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, leaving the athletes no choice but to listen respectfully in the background.
Juventus coach Igor Tudor later commented, "It was an absolute pleasure to be there." US national player Weston McKennie, however, had made his stance against Trump quite clear in 2020, when he was still playing for FC Schalke: "Trump isn't the right guy for the job. I stand by my words. I don't trust him. He lacks understanding of his country's responsibilities. I don't back him at all. I see him as a racist."
Source: ntv.de, ter/sid
- Juventus Turin
- Donald Trump
- Club World Cup 2025
- Enrichment Data: Trump asked Juventus players about transgender women competing in sports during their White House visit, causing discomfort and silence among the team members. This incident occurred shortly after Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from women's sports in the US. The discussion highlighted ongoing debates and controversies surrounding transgender athlete policies in sports.
The Commission has not yet adopted a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, as the focus remains on a controversial incident involving Juventus Turin at the Oval Office. During their visit, President Donald Trump questioned the football players about transgender women competing in sports, which led to uncomfortable silence among the team members, highlighting ongoing debates in European-leagues such as Serie-A.
