In a surprising appearance at a FIFA Council reception, Donald Trump praised Gianni Infantino for the decision to suspend US striker Folarin Balogun’s red card ahead of the US-Belgium World Cup match. The event, held in Trump Tower, featured both leaders discussing World Cup achievements and Trump repeating unverified claims about the 2020 election.
Trump and Infantino Share Stage at Trump Tower
The pair entered to Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA,” standing at the dais for over two minutes before Infantino spoke. Infantino thanked Trump for hosting “the greatest human social and cultural event that mankind has ever witnessed,” referencing the World Cup’s high attendances and TV numbers.
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Trump then took the microphone, pivoting to his familiar narrative about the 2020 election. “I said, you know, I was supposed to not be here right now. I was supposed to be president for eight years,” Trump stated, adding that “they rigged the election.” He claimed the polls showed he would have won, despite no evidence of widespread fraud.
Balogun Red Card Controversy
Trump specifically highlighted the Balogun red card decision, which had been a major talking point during the tournament. “You had unforgettable moments, like probably the most unforgettable is when they gave that gentleman a red card,” Trump said. He claimed he called Infantino to “make a recommendation” to let Balogun play, though the US ultimately lost 4-1 to Belgium.
The incident underscores the intersection of sports and politics, with Trump using the World Cup platform to amplify his political grievances. Infantino did not directly address Trump’s election claims but focused on the tournament’s success.
Key Takeaways from the Event
- Trump credited Infantino for overturning Balogun’s red card suspension.
- Trump repeated false claims about the 2020 election being “rigged.”
- Infantino praised the World Cup as a historic cultural event.
- The US men’s national team lost 4-1 to Belgium in the round of 16.
World Cup Attendance and TV Numbers
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Attendance | Over 3.5 million |
| TV Viewership (Final) | 1.5 billion global |
| US-Belgium Match Viewers | 25 million (US only) |
The World Cup drew record-breaking numbers, with Infantino crediting Trump’s administration for facilitating the event. However, Trump’s focus remained on his personal political narrative, drawing criticism from some observers.
FAQ
What did Trump say about the Balogun red card?
Trump claimed he called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to “make a recommendation” to overturn Folarin Balogun’s red card, though the US lost 4-1 to Belgium.
Did Trump repeat election falsehoods at the event?
Yes, Trump stated the 2020 election was “rigged” and that he should have been president for eight years, despite no evidence of widespread fraud.
How did Infantino respond to Trump’s comments?
Infantino focused on praising the World Cup’s success, thanking Trump for hosting the event, and did not directly address the election claims.
This event highlights the ongoing blending of sports and politics, with Trump leveraging the World Cup stage for his own agenda. The Balogun red card decision remains a controversial moment in the tournament’s history.
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