Trump Sparks Tension with Juventus Over Transgender Sports Ban

During a recent White House visit, Donald Trump had an awkward exchange with Italian soccer team Juventus while discussing transgender athletes in sports. The incident occurred during their stop in Washington amid the ongoing FIFA World Cup festivities.

Trump’s Executive Orders Target Trans Rights

Since taking office, Trump has pushed a series of executive actions targeting the transgender community. Early on, he banned transgender individuals from serving in the military. He later issued a separate order barring transgender women from being placed in female correctional facilities.

On February 5, Trump signed his latest order, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” The order prohibits transgender women from competing in female sports and calls on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to revise its policies before the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

“From now on, women’s sports will be only for women,” Trump declared. “We’ve gotten the woke lunacy out of our military. Now we’re getting it out of women’s sports.”

Awkward Moment with Juventus

Tensions resurfaced during the Juventus team’s visit to the White House. In video clips circulating on social media, Trump is seen addressing the players directly.

“Could a woman make your team, fellas?” he asked, smiling as the team stood behind him.

Many of the Juventus players responded with uneasy smiles but remained silent. When Trump repeated the question, General Manager Damien Comolli gently sidestepped it:

“We have a very good women’s team,” Comolli replied.

Trump, unfazed, quipped: “But they should be playing with women.”

Diplomatic Silence Draws Praise

As Comolli declined to elaborate further, Trump added, “He’s being very diplomatic.” Online, users applauded the team’s restrained response.

• “The players actually thought it was funny. We know this hurts you. That’s funny too,” one person commented.

• “Crazy when a soccer team is more diplomatic than the President of the United States,” another wrote.

• Others were less forgiving, with one user calling Trump a “sleezebag.”

Political Battle with Maine Governor

This isn’t the first clash over the issue. In February, Trump confronted Maine Governor Janet Mills over his transgender sports ban. He warned her that noncompliance could result in the loss of federal education and technology funding.

“We are federal law. You better do it… Your population doesn’t want men in women’s sports,” he told her.

Mills replied firmly: “We’ll see you in court.”

“Good,” Trump responded. “That should be a real easy one. Enjoy your life after, governor. I don’t think you’ll be in elected politics.”

Trump’s comments continue to fuel debate on transgender participation in sports. Meanwhile, Juventus’ diplomatic response has earned quiet praise—offering a stark contrast to the president’s combative tone.