Donald Trump’s defeat in the 2020 US presidential election has been celebrated by athletes across America, with NBA superstar LeBron James and World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe among the most prominent voices.
James, one of the most famous athletes in the United States, tweeted a video of himself smoking a victory cigar alongside a link to More Than A Vote, a campaign he has fronted to harness the power of black voters. He also posted a photo of his celebrated block in the 2016 NBA finals, superimposing Joe Biden’s head on his body and Trump’s on Andre Iguodala. “Your pettiness level is through the roof and I’m here for it,” wrote WNBA star A’ja Wilson in response.
Rapinoe, one of the first white athletes to kneel during the US national anthem, tweeted a thank you to “Black Women”, who voted overwhelmingly for Biden. She has previously called Trump sexist and misogynistic, and skipped White House celebrations after the 2019 World Cup. NBA guard Donovan Mitchell echoed her sentiments, describing the election of Kamala Harris as “truly incredible” for black women.
Other reactions included US Open champion Naomi Osaka, who tweeted a clip from The Office, and Basketball Hall of Famer Dawn Staley, who congratulated Philadelphia for helping Biden carry Pennsylvania. WNBA players have been politically active, wearing “Vote Warnock” T-shirts in August. Even in baseball, St Louis Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty wrote “you love to see it” after Biden’s victory was announced.
Not all athletes were pleased, however. UFC fighter Jorge Masvidal questioned the declared result, and former baseball player Aubrey Huff accused the media of premature victory claims. But the overall mood among many high-profile sports figures was one of relief at the end of Trump’s presidency.
