Trump Has More to Say About Megan Rapinoe

The war of words between President Trump and Megan Rapinoe got some new life breathed into it on Wednesday, thanks to a weeks-old comment. Things first got testy after the co-captain of the US women's soccer team carried her team to the World Cup quarterfinals on Monday. Trump was asked by the Hill if he considered her silent stance with hands at her side during the national anthem—intended to protest inequality and injustice—appropriate. He didn't. Here's where things have gone since then:

• Eight By Eight Magazine posted a clip to Twitter Tuesday in which Rapinoe is asked if she's "excited" about the possibility of winning the World Cup and getting to visit the White House as a result. "I'm not going to the f---ing White House," she replied. "No. I’m not going to the White House. We're not going to be invited ... I doubt it." The article the comment came from was posted online June 11, and the Washington Post reports the clip dates to May.
• The president responded Wednesday in a three-part tweet, which quotes her line and reads in part: "Teams love coming to the White House. I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women’s Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job!"
• He continued, "I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose. Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team. Be proud of the Flag that you wear. The USA is doing GREAT!"

• The Post notes Rapinoe did join the winning World Cup team when it visited Barack Obama in the White House in 2015.
• Fox News points to a Post report from April that notes the Trump administration hasn't hosted many winning US women's teams.
• Up next: All eyes will be on the US team Friday when it goes up against France in what NBC News calls "a much-hyped quarterfinal match." But we'll hear from Rapinoe before then, reports ESPN: She's set to talk to the media the day before the game.
• In an opinion piece for USA Today, Nancy Armour faults the Hill for starting this all. "If you want to talk about fake news, this narrative being pushed by The Hill since the World Cup began definitely qualifies. Rapinoe not singing or putting her hand over her heart during 'The Star-Spangled Banner' is not a new development at the World Cup. Nor is it unique to when she plays for the US women. She has been peacefully protesting before all games for the better part of three years now."

(More Megan Rapinoe stories.)