Spain’s World Cup celebrations were gatecrashed by US president Donald Trump, who once again attempted to impose himself on the trophy lift, mimicking his appearance at the Club World Cup final last summer.
The president was tasked with presenting the trophy to the new world champions, but as you would expect, he wanted his involvement to be a bit more prominent.
Despite his best efforts, Trump was ushered to the side by both FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Spain captain Rodri.
The scenes provoked a strong reaction, with many British media outlets covering the awkward moment. Their versions of events were pretty consistent.
Donald Trump slagged in media for awkward World Cup trophy presentation
Last July, Trump pulled a similar move with Chelsea captain Reece James as he prepared to lift the Club World Cup trophy. He wanted to be at the center of it, but eventually took the hint that the team did not want to share in the moment.
It was the same story on Sunday. The 80-year-old had to be pulled away from the podium, but decided to linger at the side as Spain revelled in their special moment.
The Guardian began their piece on the incident with: “He did it again.”
And continued their ridicule later on, writing: “Donald Trump, fresh off a round of stadium-wide booing and jeering, handing off the trophy with Infantino and then staying stubbornly in the frame as another team enjoyed the pinnacle of their professional careers with an octogenarian standing awkwardly in the shot.”
That sentiment was shared by the BBC, but they noted that it was at least “not for quite as long as he did for the Club World Cup.”
As for The Independent, they got their message across quickly in the title. It read: “Trump steps all over World Cup winner’s moment.”
They say he “refused to leave the stage” and “forced himself into the team’s winning photo.”
After seeing Spain win the World Cup, what's your biggest takeaway from this year's tournament? 🤔
Trump’s popularity in the States is waning, and he has never been a beloved figure across the pond. Still, this widespread ridicule, paired with the extremely hostile reception he received at the New York New Jersey Stadium, are telling with regards to public opinion of the commander-in-chief.
But none of that has rubbed off on him. Trump has already begun on a controversial campaign to bring the World Cup back to the US in 2038. Sticks and stones…
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