Trump photo with women’s tennis team sparks outrage

A White House photo meant to celebrate a championship women’s team drew backlash after critics said it sidelined the very athletes it was supposed to honor. The controversy began when an image shared on X by White House aide Margo Martin showed Donald Trump posing with the Georgia Bulldogs women’s tennis team, with the players largely obscured behind a group of men in the foreground.

The image went viral within minutes. Critics and public figures quickly reacted and the photograph soon fueled a wider conversation about the Trump administration’s approach to women in sports.

The photo, posted by White House communications adviser Martin, showed the athletes gathered behind six men, including the president, who stood slightly elevated on a step. Martin captioned it simply: “Congratulations, Georgia Women’s Tennis!”

Trump’s remarks at the event

At the White House ceremony, Trump singled out one player for praise. “Up next are the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tennis Champions, the Georgia Bulldogs, who just captured their third national title,” Trump said. “Sophia Rojas sealed this team’s incredible victory, losing the first set before roaring back to dominate the next two and clinch Georgia’s sweep over Texas A&M. And all I can say is, ‘Go Bulldogs.’ That’s a great state, I love that state. Did very well there, too, in the election. You know, I only like the states that I win.”

Trump also offered brief personal remarks on the sport. Speaking to reporters, he said the Bulldogs had done exceptional work, adding that, “What a great job. That’s a tough thing to do. I play tennis a little bit, not quite at that level, not quite, but that’s a great achievement.”

Along with the women’s champions, Trump also honored other college winners, including Wake Forest in men’s tennis, Oklahoma State in men’s golf, Texas A&M in women’s volleyball, Youngstown State in women’s bowling, Florida State in women’s soccer and West Virginia in mixed rifle.