In a blistering broadside that has rocked Major League Baseball, former US President Donald Trump has publicly excoriated New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge on his Truth Social platform. The 45th President took aim at the reigning American League MVP for his stance on Covid-19 vaccinations and his perceived loyalty to the Yankees organisation.
'Make Them Apologise!' Trump's Demands to Yankees Slugger
The extraordinary rant, posted on Thursday, saw Trump directly address Judge, writing: "Aaron Judge should ask the New York Yankees to apologise for the way they treated him during the Covid 'plague' from China." This reference harks back to the 2020 and 2021 MLB seasons, which were heavily impacted by pandemic restrictions.
Trump's criticism stems from Judge's public support for vaccination efforts. During the height of the pandemic, the Yankees superstar appeared in a public service announcement encouraging Americans to get vaccinated, a move that clearly still rankles the former President.
The Captain's Controversial Pandemic Stance
While never explicitly confirming his vaccination status, Judge faced significant scrutiny during the 2022 season when he was unable to play in a crucial series against the Toronto Blue Jays due to Canada's strict vaccine requirements for foreign travellers. The slugger's absence sparked intense speculation and debate across sports media.
The Yankees organisation implemented some of MLB's strictest Covid protocols, requiring all non-playing personnel to be vaccinated while strongly encouraging players to follow suit. This organisational stance appears to be at the heart of Trump's grievance with the franchise.
Baseball World Reacts to Political Intervention
Trump's unexpected intervention into baseball affairs has generated strong reactions across the sporting landscape. Many analysts question the appropriateness of dragging athletes into political battles, while others see it as part of the ongoing culture wars increasingly affecting professional sports.
The Yankees organisation has maintained radio silence regarding Trump's comments, with no official statement issued in response to the former President's demands. Judge himself has yet to address the social media outburst, maintaining his focus on the Yankees' postseason push.
This incident marks another chapter in the complex relationship between Trump and professional sports. The former President, who counts several sports figures among his associates, has frequently used athletic controversies to amplify his political messaging and cultural critiques.
