Shocking news of the attack Donald Trump A shooting that occurred during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on the night of July 13, 2024, put everyone on high alert. The former president was shot in the ear by a gunman on a nearby rooftop, and the incident is being investigated as an assassination attempt.
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The attack on Trump has raised security concerns but also united politicians on both sides of the aisle to condemn the violence. In a rare moment of unity, President Joe Biden condemned the attack and spoke with Trump by phone.
Known for his controversial and sharp-tongued statements, President Trump has had a long and tumultuous relationship with the world of soccer. Let's explore this relationship and how the former president has been involved in various soccer-related controversies.
Megan Rapinoe, the star of the U.S. women's national team, was no fan of Trump. And the feeling was on both sides. In 2019, Rapinoe drew Trump's ire when she declared that she wouldn't go to the White House if the U.S. won the World Cup. Trump, always ready for a Twitter spat, said she should win first and then talk. Their public rivalry was emblematic of the country's political divisions, reflected in soccer.
Despite the criticism, Rapinoe and the US women's team had a brilliant run, winning the 2019 World Cup. Rapinoe won individual awards and used her platform to discuss social issues. Even President Trump, who is no fan of Rapinoe, congratulated the team on their victory.
Inspired by Colin Kaepernick, Rapinoe began kneeling during the national anthem in protest of racial injustice, infuriating President Trump, who has frequently criticized athletes who protest during the anthem as disrespectful to the flag and the country. The tension between social protest and patriotism has become a battleground, with President Trump at the center of criticism.
The U.S. Soccer Federation rescinded its rule that players must stand during the national anthem. Predictably, President Trump was not happy and vowed to never attend national team games again, a stance that only widened the gap between players fighting for social justice and a president who sees protest as an affront.
During this year's presidential campaign, Trump began targeting Hispanic voters at the 2024 Copa America, mixing criticism of Biden with self-praise, highlighting his economic policies and attacking the current administration to attract Hispanic voters, a strategic move to garner votes in key states.
Trump has always loved to be the center of attention, and the 2026 World Cup was no exception. After threatening countries that did not vote for the US bid, Trump publicly congratulated the successful joint bid by the US, Canada and Mexico to host the tournament, highlighting his “tremendous efforts” in securing the rights. Soccer became another area where Trump wanted to make his mark.
During his meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, President Trump discussed preparations for the 2026 World Cup, promising a great event and praising the U.S.'s efforts in hosting the tournament.
Trump has consistently spoken out against protests during the national anthem, calling players “disrespectful” and calling on team owners to fire them – rhetoric pushed back against the MLS players' union, which defended the players' constitutional rights.
Although Trump is not a football fan, his impact on the world of football cannot be ignored. From his clashes with players to his impact on the 2026 World Cup, Trump has left an indelible mark. Even if he uses football as a political battleground, his achievements will remain forever in history and his legacy will be debated for years to come.
