politics

Megan Rapinoe Opens Up About Her Trump-Supporting Dad

Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Megan Rapinoe, co-captain of the World Cup champion U.S. women’s soccer team, has never shied away from her criticism of Donald Trump. Earlier this summer, Rapinoe famously proclaimed that she would never visit “the fucking White House” if her team were to be invited. (His response was to invite them anyway.)

She has also described Trump as “sexist,” “misogynistic,” “racist” and “not a good person.” And in a recent interview with The Guardian, the 34-year-old soccer star spoke about the relationship she has with her conservative parents, and how she believes her father voted for Trump.

“I’m very similar to how they are, even though I think my dad voted for Trump and I’ll say: ‘I don’t get it. How are you simultaneously as proud as punch of me, and watching Fox News all the time, [who are doing] takedowns of your daughter?’ That’s why I’m like: ‘You guys need to go to therapy,’” Rapinoe said. She also believes that both of her parents, especially her mom, “should be really progressive,” and she doesn’t understand why they aren’t.

Still, Rapinoe, who has described herself as a “walking protest” against the Trump administration, says she’s very close with her family, despite their political differences. “I talk to my parents all the time, every day. And I feel like I have seen progress and growth,” she said. “I would love it if people understood you should never say racist things and be OK with gay people, or whatever it is. But, obviously, it doesn’t happen that quickly.”

Megan Rapinoe Talks About Her Trump-Supporting Dad