Rapinoe Criticizes Trump's Locker Room Antics with U.S. Hockey Teams

Former USWNT captain says she would never have allowed FBI Director Kash Patel in her team's locker room.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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U.S. Women's National Team's former captain Megan Rapinoe spoke out against President Trump's recent comments on the Olympic U.S. women's hockey team. Rapinoe questioned FBI Director Kash Patel's and Trump's interactions with the team, saying she would have never allowed Patel in her team's locker room. Rapinoe's comments came after Trump made remarks about bringing the women's team to the White House after the men's hockey team's gold medal win.

Why it matters

Rapinoe's criticism highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. women's national sports teams and the Trump administration. The women's teams have been outspoken advocates for gender equality and have clashed with the president in the past over issues like the gender pay gap.

The details

During an episode of her podcast with former professional basketball player Sue Bird, Rapinoe said she would have never allowed Patel, who joined the men's hockey team in the locker room after their gold medal win, to enter her team's locker room. Bird also noted that one of the male players could be heard laughing at Trump's comment about bringing the women's team to the White House, even though the president had just 'bashed your friends' and 'dismissed the achievement of these women that you've been supporting.'

  • On February 27, 2026, Rapinoe made the comments on her podcast.
  • The men's hockey team won the gold medal against Canada in the recent Olympic games.

The players

Megan Rapinoe

Former captain of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team and outspoken advocate for gender equality in sports.

Kash Patel

FBI Director who joined the men's hockey team in their locker room after their gold medal win.

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who made comments about bringing the women's hockey team to the White House.

Hilary Knight

Captain of the U.S. Women's Hockey Team, which won gold in the recent Olympics.

Connor Hellebuyck

Goaltender for the U.S. Men's Hockey Team, who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Trump.

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What they’re saying

“I would have never, as a captain or a leader on my team … I think that would have been clear to our staffs, and to the larger organization and support staff, those people would never be allowed in our locker rooms.”

— Megan Rapinoe, Former USWNT Captain (A Touch More with Sue & Megan)

“Even if you are a Trump supporter, you voted for him, you're excited in that moment … he just bashed your friends, he just dismissed the achievement of these women that you've been supporting.”

— Sue Bird, Former Professional Basketball Player (A Touch More with Sue & Megan)

“The president's joke was distasteful and unfortunate.”

— Hilary Knight, Captain, U.S. Women's Hockey Team (thehill.com)

What’s next

The U.S. Women's Hockey Team is expected to visit the White House 'soon' after being unable to attend Trump's State of the Union address due to scheduling conflicts.

The takeaway

Rapinoe's criticism of Trump's interactions with the U.S. hockey teams highlights the ongoing tensions between the women's national sports teams and the Trump administration over issues of gender equality. The women's teams have been outspoken advocates for fair treatment and pay, and this incident is the latest example of the clash between their values and the president's comments.