During a White House visit on Wednesday, Juventus football players and staff found themselves in an awkward moment when US president Donald Trump turned their ceremonial visit into a political talking point. The Italian club, currently in Washington, DC, for the Club World Cup, was invited to the Oval Office ahead of their match against Al Ain of the UAE. With players, including US internationals Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah, standing behind him, Trump shifted from general remarks to controversial territory—transgender participation in women’s sports. Turning to the team, Trump asked, “Could a woman make your team, fellas?” The players stayed quiet, exchanging awkward glances. He repeated the question, this time directing it at Juventus General Manager Damien Comolli. Trying to steer clear of controversy, Comolli replied, “We have a very good women’s team,” referring to Juventus Women, the reigning Serie A champions. Trump pressed again: “But they should be playing with women?” Comolli did not respond. “See, they’re very diplomatic,” Trump quipped. The incident comes hours after the US Supreme Court allowed Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors to stand—a ruling seen as a major blow to transgender rights. Trump has made restricting transgender participation in women’s sports a key focus of his second-term agenda. In February, he signed an executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” which has triggered policy changes at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and lawsuits in several states.
