Former US President Donald Trump criticized them on Sunday night after his nation's women's soccer team was eliminated from the World Cup by Sweden on penalties. He claimed that "woke equals failure."
Despite bringing home the gold for America at the last two World Cups, the team has drawn ire from the US political right in part due to their support of social justice.
Many conservatives were particularly chagrined by players taking the knee during the national anthem, in protest at the country's record on racial equality.
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Their co-captain, Megan Rapinoe, was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Trump's successor, Joe Biden.
She was among the players who missed penalties during Sunday's shoot-out, as the Stars and Stripes made their earliest ever exit from a Women's World Cup, after a 0-0 draw in Melbourne.
Trump, who is running for a White House return in the 2024 election, wrote on his own TruthSocial website that the loss was "fully emblematic of what is happening to the our once great Nation under Crooked Joe Biden."
"Many of our players were openly hostile to America – No other country behaved in such a manner, or even close. Woke equals failure," he wrote.
"Nice shot Megan," he added, in a jibe at Rapinoe, the former Ballon d'Or and World Cup Golden Boot winner.
The 38-year-old is making his final appearance in the competition before calling it a career. He played a significant role in the USA teams' victories in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups and the 2012 Olympic Gold.
She was a key player in the team's battle with the US Federation for equal pay and working conditions, and she remains a persistent advocate for racial equality, issues affecting women, and the LGBTQ community.
For so long the face of women's soccer at home and abroad, she was close to tears in her post-match interview after the 5-4 penalty loss.
"I mean, this is like a sick joke," she said. "For me personally, this is dark comedy. I missed a penalty."
Prior to the national voting, Trump, the front-runner for the Republican nominee for president in 2024, must contend with a number of legal issues, including claims that he attempted to interfere with the results of the previous election.
President Biden's wife, First Lady Jill Biden, offered the team more consolation than Trump did.
"Today, you inspired us with your grit and determination. We are proud of you," she tweeted.
"Always remember that you encourage women and girls everywhere to show up and fight for their dreams."
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