Martina Navratilova drops 1-word reaction to 91-year-old Chuck Grassley's return as Senate President pro tempore

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova had a succinct yet powerful reaction to U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley retaking the position of Senate president pro tempore at the age of 91. Navratilova expressed concern over the nonagenarian's return to such a significant role.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, has once again assumed the position of Senate president pro tempore with the commencement of the 119th Congress.

This role, which involves recognizing senators to speak and maintaining order during Senate proceedings, is traditionally bestowed upon the longest-serving senator in the majority party. Grassley, who has been serving in the U.S. Senate since 1981, previously held this position from 2019 to 2021.

On January 4, 2025, an X (formerly Twitter) user shared the news, to which Navratilova shared her one-word reaction, writing:

"Yikes."

The significance of the president's pro tempore role cannot be understated. It places Grassley third in line for presidential succession, following the vice president and the Speaker of the House. At 91, Grassley's return to this role has sparked discussions about the implications of such senior leadership in the U.S. government.

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Martina Navratilova reacts to underrepresentation of women and minorities in House Republican committee leadership

Martina Navratilova during the 2024 Laureus World Sports Awards press conference (Image source: Getty)

Martina Navratilova criticized the absence of women and people of color among the House Republican committee leaders. In December 2024, the House Republican Steering Committee announced its selections for committee chairs in the 119th Congress.

For the first time since the 109th Congress (2005-2006), none of the appointed chairs were women or people of color. In contrast, during the 118th Congress, three Republican women held leadership positions in House committees.

A user on X (formerly Twitter) commented on the news, writing:

"No women will lead a House committee for the first time in two decades after House Republicans revealed their list of committee leaders for the 119th Congress. No people of color were selected, either."

In response, Martina Navratilova reshared the post and wrote:

"What a surprise."

In November 2024, the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion explained she could "never" vote for the Republicans unless the party's attitude changed. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who once called Donald Trump "a sociopath," suspended his election campaign and endorsed the former President, who later nominated him for health secretary.

Martina Navratilova criticized the evolving relationship between Trump and Kennedy Jr., calling Republicans "sycophants and toxic men."