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‘The Trump effect’: President ridiculed in US after team thrashed by Belgium at World Cup
The Independent • • general
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump's attempt to influence FIFA to overturn a red card for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun backfired as the U.S. team was decisively defeated 4-1 by Belgium in the World Cup last-16 match.
- Trump's public comments before the game, including threats to call the match rigged if the U.S. lost, drew widespread ridicule and accusations of undermining the sport's integrity.
- Belgian players and fans mocked Trump after the victory, while critics on social media and politicians labeled Trump's involvement a "curse" or "reverse Midas touch" that brought bad luck.
- Some commentators argued Trump's intervention damaged the credibility of the U.S. team’s achievements, creating a "lose-lose" scenario regardless of the match outcome.
- Despite the controversy, some political leaders like California Governor Gavin Newsom and New York Governor Kathy Hochul praised the U.S. team’s performance and sportsmanship.
