President Donald Trump drew criticism Thursday after inviting former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor—who is a registered sex offender—to the White House. Taylor joined Trump and several other athletes for the signing of an executive order reinstating the Presidential Fitness Test and launching a renewed version of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.
Taylor, who has previously appeared at Trump campaign rallies, stood alongside figures such as golfer Bryson DeChambeau and NFL kicker Harrison Butker during the ceremony. While the event was meant to promote youth health and fitness, Taylor’s presence raised immediate backlash due to his criminal history.
In 2011, Taylor pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of sexual misconduct and soliciting a prostitute after he was arrested for raping a 16-year-old girl in 2010. He received six years’ probation and was required to register as a sex offender. He has since been arrested multiple times for failing to report changes of residence, most recently in July 2024, although prosecutors dropped the latest case.
Trump praised Taylor as “the greatest defensive player in the history of the NFL” and a longtime friend, saying, “He’s an incredible guy and just been my friend a long time.” Taylor, during the event, said he didn’t fully understand his new role on the fitness council but pledged to serve to the best of his ability.
Critics quickly took to social media. Commentator Brian Krassenstein wrote, “Trump literally had Lawrence Taylor, a registered sex offender who raped a 16-year-old, featured at the White House… Sickening!” Former GOP communications director Tara Setmayer commented, “Trump sure does like to hang out with sex offenders caught with underage girls.”
The controversy intensified as it came amid renewed scrutiny of Trump’s past ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking. Trump recently told reporters that Epstein “stole” Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s accusers, from his Mar-a-Lago resort in 2000, where she worked at age 16. Trump claimed he was unaware of Epstein’s behavior at the time and said the incident led him to cut ties with Epstein.
Still, critics remain skeptical, especially as the Trump administration has resisted releasing further records related to Epstein, despite earlier pledges of transparency.
Political and media figures responded sharply to Taylor’s invitation. MSNBC’s Chris Hayes pointed out the timing, saying it coincided with Giuffre’s family speaking out about how survivors are often dismissed. Julie Roginsky, co-founder of the nonprofit Lift Our Voices, questioned why Trump is frequently seen associating with individuals accused or convicted of crimes involving minors.
As pressure continues to mount over both the Epstein case and Trump’s public associations, further scrutiny is expected in the coming weeks.
Source: NEWSWEEK
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