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!”
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.
The photograph was not the only element that drew criticism. Martin also shared a video of Trump approaching the riser where the athletes stood. The men were already lined up in front of the women and he did not shake the women’s hands in the video.
That detail intensified the reaction. “The women who put in the work don’t get the handshake,” one user wrote. “He shook only the guys’ hands. How can anyone justify this?” another asked.
Videos and photos from other events show Trump greeting female athletes directly and positioning them more prominently in group photos.
The image drew reactions from prominent figures in tennis. Martina Navratilova was among the first to respond, writing on X, “A photo is worth a thousand words…” Her comment quickly gained traction across the platform.
Former doubles world No. 1 Rennae Stubbs also weighed in, reposting the image with a pointed remark, “Pretty sure this wasn’t the men’s team, was it??????”
Both Navratilova and Stubbs have been vocal critics of Trump and have spoken out against his policies in the past.
Despite the backlash, the University of Georgia’s women’s tennis team did not distance itself from the visit. The team posted on its official X account, “An honor to represent the University of Georgia at the White House today! @realDonaldTrump thanks for having us out!”
Head coach Drake Bernstein, who stood beside Trump in the photo, said that the squad was “thrilled” to represent the university and the state. “This is a terrific experience and memory for these young ladies to be able to share for the rest of their lives,” Bernstein said.
The UGA Athletic Association said it was “honored” by the recognition and remained proud of the team’s success.