President Donald Trump finally spoke out after the United States was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup, but he did not address the 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16. Instead, he took to Truth Social to boast about the strength of the US military, declaring no other nation is "even close."
Trump Ignores Crushing Defeat
The USA team suffered a heavy 4-1 loss to Belgium on Monday (July 6) in Seattle, just hours after Trump admitted to calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of striker Folarin Balogun's red card. Despite his earlier support, Trump's post-match comments made no mention of the team's exit from the tournament.
"The United States Military has never been stronger, or more powerful. No other Nation can do what we do (It's not even close!)," Trump wrote. "This year we set even more Historic Recruiting Records, months ahead of schedule. Morale has never been higher."
Military Boast Follows Controversial FIFA Call
Trump continued: "Our Military's unmatched POWER was on full display during our Celebration of 250 Years of American Independence and, like our Country, the WAR DEPARTMENT has never been 'HOTTER.'" He added, "We need to keep it that way, which is why, when Congress returns, we must pass Reconciliation 3.0, with 350 Billion Dollars for Defense, plus THE SAVE AMERICA ACT!"
The president's remarks come after he sparked backlash by pressing Infantino to reconsider a red card issued to Balogun during the Round-of-32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun faced an automatic suspension for the Belgium match, but following discussions between Trump, White House World Cup task force executive director Andrew Giuliani, and Infantino, the one-match ban was deferred.
FIFA Deferred Ban, Fined Balogun
FIFA confirmed on Sunday (July 5) that the sanction had been put on hold, allowing the USMNT's leading striker to play against Belgium. Trump celebrated the decision on Truth Social, posting: "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right and reversing a great injustice." Despite the ban being suspended, FIFA fined Balogun $40,000 (approximately £30,000) for the red card offence.
The USA's World Cup exit marks a disappointing end to a tournament co-hosted on American territory, with Trump's focus on military strength rather than the team's performance drawing criticism.
