In a stunning turn of events, the United States Women's National Soccer Team suffered a devastating loss to Sweden in the Round of 16 at the Women's World Cup. While many American viewers saw it as an agonizing collapse on the grandest stage, former President Donald J. Trump saw it as a sign of national decline under President Joe Biden. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to express his thoughts on the matter.

"The 'shocking and totally unexpected' loss by the U.S. Women's Soccer Team to Sweden is fully emblematic of what is happening to our once great Nation under Crooked Joe Biden," Trump wrote. He went on to criticize the players, stating, "Many of our players were openly hostile to America - No other country behaved in such a manner, or even close. WOKE EQUALS FAILURE. Nice shot Megan, the USA is going to Hell!!! MAGA."

Trump's taunt towards Megan Rapinoe, the retiring soccer star and a long-time target of his criticism, added another layer to the feud between the two. Rapinoe's missed penalty kick during the game contributed to the team's loss, and she later described it as a "sick joke." However, Trump's attack on the American team competing on the national stage and relishing in their defeat exemplified the unforgiving nature of right-wing politics.

President Biden, on the other hand, took to Twitter to show his support for the team. "Congratulations on an incredible run. This team is something special, and I'm looking forward to seeing how you continue to inspire Americans with your grit and determination - on and off the field," he tweeted.

Criticism of the team, especially from the right-wing, was already prevalent before their loss. Megyn Kelly, a podcast host, accused Rapinoe of poisoning the entire team against the country. Right-wing activist Brigitte Gabriel openly rooted against the “woke” U.S. Women's National Soccer Team. The conservative publication, The Washington Examiner, criticized the team for prioritizing their “woke” agenda over winning games.

These attacks on Rapinoe and the team's political stances, such as their support for gay and transgender rights, have been a central focus of conservative criticism. The term “woke” has become a catchall shorthand for progressive views on gender, race, and other issues.

However, despite the vocal minority of critics, these attacks do not necessarily reflect the priorities of most voters. Some Republican figures, including former Gov. Chris Christie, Gov. Doug Burgum, and former Representative Will Hurd, have urged the party to focus on more concrete matters like inflation, echoing Trump's own statement that he dislikes the term "woke."

Mary Jo Kane, a professor and founder of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport, sees Trump's attack on women's sports as a reflection of the growth and significance of women's sports in society. The fact that the former president is commenting on women's sports demonstrates its cultural significance and the power it holds.

While the USWNT's loss may have disappointed many fans, it also highlights the ongoing cultural and political battles surrounding women's sports and the players who participate in them. As the team strives to continue inspiring Americans and achieving success, the controversies and criticism they face only serve to demonstrate the evolving role of women's sports in our society.