President Trump on Wednesday declined to say whether members of the the United States women’s national soccer team should be paid the same as the men’s team as the players continue to fight for pay equity.
When NBC News reporter Peter Alexander asked Trump whether women should receive equal pay, Trump responded, “We’ll talk about that later.”
White House counselor Kellyanne Conway on Wednesday said the president “supports equal pay for equal work,” but declined to say whether he would support the women’s team’s effort. {mosads}
“We’re very proud of their athletic achievement,” she said. “But stop trying to politicize really great events like women’s soccer.”
All 28 players on the team in March filed a lawsuit against the United States Soccer Federation, alleging gender discrimination.
They accused their employer of “institutionalized gender discrimination” including inequity in pay, practice time, practice locations, medical treatment, coaching and travel.
The team won its third World Cup title in 2015 and is currently defending that title in France. Lawmakers Tuesday congratulated the team on winning its opening match, with some, including 2020 presidential hopeful Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), calling for them to receive equal pay.
Brett Samuels contributed to this report.