President Donald Trump expressed surprise after U.S. soccer star Tim Weah described their recent White House appearance with Juventus as “weird,” noting the abrupt policy detour during what was meant to be a sports-centered visit.
Weah and teammate Weston McKennie were in the Oval Office ahead of Juventus’ FIFA Club World Cup fixture against Al Ain, which they later won 5–0 . What followed was an uncomfortable situation, as Trump veered into geopolitical commentary—discussing Iran, potential missile strikes, and even gender policies in sports—leaving the players visibly unsettled .
“They told us we had to go,” Weah said. “It was a bit weird… when he started talking about the politics with Iran and everything, I just want to play football, man” . The 25‑year‑old also underscored that while visiting the White House was “cool,” the political turn made it far less exciting .
Trump, for his part, claimed he was surprised that the players were unsettled. “Great athletes, great players… to call it weird? That’s disappointing,” he told reporters. He defended his decision to use the occasion to talk policy—including Iran’s nuclear threat and travel bans—arguing the world watches when he speaks .
The event also sparked unease as Trump pointed questions at the team and Juventus officials about transgender athletes, asking, “Could a woman make your team?” A visibly tense silence followed before Juventus’ GM replied diplomatically .
Experts are now raising questions about the blurred line between sports diplomacy and political theater, especially when athletes feel unprepared for such sharp turns. Trump’s blending of athletic honors with foreign‑policy and culture‑war messaging may energize his base but risks alienating players and sports groups who just wanted recognition—not a policy platform.
President Donald Trump expressed surprise after U.S. soccer star Tim Weah described their recent White House appearance with Juventus as “weird,” noting the abrupt policy detour during what was meant to be a sports-centered visit.
Weah and teammate Weston McKennie were in the Oval Office ahead of Juventus’ FIFA Club World Cup fixture against Al Ain, which they later won 5–0 . What followed was an uncomfortable situation, as Trump veered into geopolitical commentary—discussing Iran, potential missile strikes, and even gender policies in sports—leaving the players visibly unsettled .
“They told us we had to go,” Weah said. “It was a bit weird… when he started talking about the politics with Iran and everything, I just want to play football, man” . The 25‑year‑old also underscored that while visiting the White House was “cool,” the political turn made it far less exciting .
Trump, for his part, claimed he was surprised that the players were unsettled. “Great athletes, great players… to call it weird? That’s disappointing,” he told reporters. He defended his decision to use the occasion to talk policy—including Iran’s nuclear threat and travel bans—arguing the world watches when he speaks .
The event also sparked unease as Trump pointed questions at the team and Juventus officials about transgender athletes, asking, “Could a woman make your team?” A visibly tense silence followed before Juventus’ GM replied diplomatically .
Experts are now raising questions about the blurred line between sports diplomacy and political theater, especially when athletes feel unprepared for such sharp turns. Trump’s blending of athletic honors with foreign‑policy and culture‑war messaging may energize his base but risks alienating players and sports groups who just wanted recognition—not a policy platform.
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