The U.S. Women’s Soccer team’s journey in the World Cup ended when Megan Rapinoe, a renowned player and activist, missed a penalty kick in the match against Sweden.
Rapinoe has faced backlash from several conservative voices for her opinions, particularly her endorsement of transgender athletes competing against cisgender women.
In July, she stated that she would “absolutely” back and welcome transgender athletes onto the U.S. women’s national team, even if it meant a transgender athlete taking the place of a cisgender woman.
Franklin Graham, the son of the eminent evangelical figure Billy Graham, expressed his changed perspective toward the team. He said that although he once supported the U.S. Women’s Soccer team, he feels they have recently “shown disrespect for the U.S.” and have “used their platform to promote the LGBTQ agenda.
“Evangelist Franklin Graham expressed his agreement with former President Donald Trump on Monday concerning the U.S. women’s soccer team and their early elimination from the World Cup.
He said he wasn’t disappointed by the loss, attributing it to the players’ focus on promoting LGBTQ rights over national representation.
Graham shared his thoughts on X, a social media platform formerly Twitter.
“I used to be a fan of our women’s soccer team, but their recent actions, showing disrespect for the U.S. and using their fame to push the LGBTQ agenda, has changed my perspective,” Graham wrote.
“Their loss didn’t sadden me. Unfortunately, I feel this way, but I can’t stand behind when the players prioritize personal causes over the country they’re representing.”
The USWNT, champions of the previous two World Cups, were defeated by Sweden in the Round of 16 after a 0-0 draw in regulation and extra time, followed by penalty kicks. This marked the team’s earliest departure from the World Cup in history.
Trump also criticized the USWNT shortly after their loss on Sunday.
“Our players acted openly against America – no other nation’s players behaved in such a way, or even remotely so. WOKE EQUALS FAILURE,” Trump shared on Truth Social.
Graham’s post showed agreement with Trump’s sentiments, saying: “I find myself in agreement with former President @realDonaldTrump’s assessment of the team: ‘WOKE EQUALS FAILURE.'”
