U.S. President Donald Trump unexpectedly asked a question when he met with the Juventus soccer team.
The Juventus team visited the White House in Washington, D.C., on the 17th local time ahead of their first match at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. The visit included players such as Timothy Weah and Weston McKennie, who are from the U.S., along with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Director General Igor Tudor, Giorgio Chiellini, and other officials.
Trump suddenly asked, "Can women play on your team?" The players, taken aback, could only manage awkward smiles, and Director General Damien Comolli responded, "We have a great women's team."
Trump then asked, "But doesn't the women's team not play against women?" When Comolli refrained from responding, he commented, "Very diplomatic."
Earlier, Trump signed an executive order in February banning transgender women from competing in women's sports. This morning, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the ban on gender transition treatments for minors in Tennessee, leading to criticisms that it impacts transgender rights.
The British Guardian noted, "Trump's remarks came at a time when hostility toward transgender individuals in the U.S. is on the rise."
Meanwhile, Juventus decisively defeated Al Ain (United Arab Emirates) 5-0 in the group stage opener of the FIFA Club World Cup held on the same day. Midfielder McKennie played the full match, while Weah came on as a substitute in the second half.