Juventus players were left stunned during a visit to the White House as former US President Donald Trump made provocative remarks about transgender athletes in sport. The team, in the US for the Club World Cup, had earlier sealed a 5-0 victory over Al Ain before heading to Washington for a formal event with the president.
During their Oval Office appearance, Trump turned the spotlight on Weston McKennie, asking whether a woman could make it into the Juventus squad. The midfielder appeared caught off-guard, prompting teammate Manuel Locatelli to offer a neutral “yeah” to break the awkward silence. Trump, unfazed, doubled down on his question, eventually directing it at the club’s leadership.
General manager Damien Comolli responded diplomatically by referencing the club’s women’s team, but Trump cut in sharply, emphasizing that “they should be playing with women,” highlighting his stance on gender in sport.
Earlier this year, Trump signed the “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order, a move that led the NCAA to revise its policies. The change now restricts participation in women’s competitions to biological females, further cementing Trump’s position in the ongoing gender eligibility debate.
Trump’s comments were made in front of the media, with players like Timothy Weah and Randal Kolo Muani visibly uncomfortable. The moment quickly gained attention online, given Juventus’ high-profile presence and the sensitive nature of the discussion.
While the visit was meant to celebrate Juventus’ participation in the global tournament, Trump used it as a platform to push his stance on transgender inclusion in sports. The administration also reassured the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee of its support for the upcoming 2028 Summer Games and 2034 Winter Olympics.
USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland confirmed athletes, coaches, and their families would be exempt from the latest travel ban affecting 12 countries, reiterating that sport remains a unifying force despite political divides.
Juventus now shifts focus back to the Club World Cup, where Kolo Muani’s standout performance helped them secure a comfortable win in their opening match. But their White House experience left many questioning whether politics should be this closely entwined with sport.