Coleen Rooney has revealed details of an awkward encounter with former US President Donald Trump during her family’s time in the United States, an incident that prompted Arsenal legend Ian Wright to brand Trump a “freak.” The exchange occurred at a White House Christmas event while her husband, Wayne Rooney, was playing for MLS side D.C. United.
The incident unfolded during Wayne Rooney’s first stint in the US, which began in 2018. Coleen, accompanied by her four sons and her parents, attended a “Christmas thing at the White House” described as a “family day” for “all the workers and stuff.” It was there that Trump made a comment that left Coleen’s parents unimpressed.
Trump’s controversial remark at the White House
Recalling the moment on the “Stick to Football” show, Coleen Rooney described Trump’s interaction with her father. “Well, my dad, he didn’t like what he said. So, when I came in, he said to his son, ‘See, I told you all the soccer players get the good-looking girls’. When I’ve come out, I’ve told my mum, she was like ‘Ergh’,” Rooney explained, as reported by The Mirror. Her parents’ clear disapproval of the remark was evident.
During the event, Coleen’s children, including her youngest son Cass, now six, reportedly ended up eating chicken nuggets on the floor beneath the tables, adding a touch of domestic chaos to the high-profile gathering.
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Wright’s sharp reaction and a son’s proof
The revelation of Trump’s comment drew a strong reaction from Ian Wright, who was a fellow panelist on the Sky Bet-sponsored “Stick to Football” show. Wright was heard muttering his disapproval, succinctly branding Trump a “freak.” The show also featured other prominent football figures including Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Jill Scott, and Roy Keane.
Years later, the encounter resurfaced in an unexpected way for Coleen Rooney. Following Trump’s re-election, her youngest son, Cass, brought up meeting the former President at school. “My youngest, obviously, when Trump’s been voted back in, they watch the news at school – he’s six. So, he comes home and says, ‘I told the teacher that I’ve met Trump – she’s told me to send a photo in.’ I’m thinking she doesn’t believe him,” Coleen recounted. Jill Scott chimed in, adding, “She definitely didn’t believe him, definitely!” Cass subsequently sent a photo as proof to his teacher.
Wayne Rooney departed D.C. United in 2019, later managing Derby County before returning to the US in 2022 for a second stint as manager of the MLS club.
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