Trump says if Belgium beats the U.S., it would be manipulation; comments linking World Cup and 2020 election draw widespread controversy

Trump said in an interview today (Beijing time July 7): "If Belgium beats us, they truly deserve to be proud. But if they beat us the other way around, I believe the game was rigged—just like the 2020 election was rigged."

[Witty] Commentary: Typical Trump-style behavior—first calling FIFA to pressure for a delayed red card and paving the way for the U.S. team, then turning around and claiming "if we lose, it's rigged, just like the 2020 election." Win, and he’s brilliant; lose, and it’s a global conspiracy against him. So America winning is fair play, but the opponent winning? That’s the Deep State manipulating FIFA. This double standard rhetoric has been going from presidential elections all the way through to World Cup knockout stages. The most absurd part? A head of state of a superpower using football to rehearse a coup narrative, treating sports like a reality show sequel.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870011691830279/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.