Fox News’ Kayleigh McEnany argued that the U.S. men’s national soccer team’s “patriotism” outweighed its World Cup flop and Brian Kilmeade quickly called out her hot take.
During Tuesday’s broadcast of “Fox & Friends,” McEnany, a former Trump White House press secretary, acknowledged the disappointment of Americans with the country’s 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16.
“We’re competitors in the United States, we want to win, we want to win the whole thing, we want to win the World Cup,” she said.
“That being said, this team, you compare it to Megan Rapinoe and women’s soccer. I am so proud of them, their patriotism, standing for the anthem, praying after every game. They have set such a positive example around the world. And to me, look, people can crucify me on Twitter, that means more to me than winning. I’m very proud of this team despite the loss.”
Members of the four-time World Cup-winning U.S. women’s national team — including former co-captain Rapinoe — have been outspoken critics of Donald Trump in the past.
Kilmeade immediately rejected McEnany’s assessment of the men’s team and blamed the players: “Err, they didn’t show up. They were absolutely awful. They did not show up.”
“OK, Brian. Thanks. OK,” McEnany replied, laughing at her colleague’s blunt response.
Kilmeade ran through what he saw as the failings of several U.S. players in the crunch game.
McEnany countered: “But they pray and they love the flag and therefore I love them.”
Kilmeade wasn’t convinced, telling her: “There’s teams praying all over the country.”