Juventus players and staff found themselves in an uncomfortable situation during a visit to the White House, where President Donald Trump broached the topic of transgender women in sports. As the Italian football team, including US internationals Timothy Weah and Weston McKennie, stood behind Trump, he raised the issue, referencing his previous executive order banning transgender individuals from women’s sports. Trump directly questioned the Juventus players about the possibility of a woman making their team, to which they remained silent, prompting nervous smiles. The team’s general manager, Damien Comolli, tried to deflect the question by highlighting the success of Juventus Women, the reigning Serie A champions, but Trump insisted that women should compete with women.

These events unfolded against a backdrop of increasing hostility towards transgender individuals in the US. On the same day, the US supreme court upheld a Tennessee law prohibiting gender-affirming care for minors, a ruling that has significant implications for the rights of transgender children and the broader trans community. Trump’s remarks and the broader legal landscape underscore the ongoing challenges and debates surrounding transgender rights in the country, with implications for sports, healthcare, and societal acceptance. The Juventus White House encounter serves as a microcosm of the complex and contentious issues surrounding gender identity and inclusion in today’s society, highlighting the need for thoughtful dialogue and understanding in navigating these sensitive topics.