The World Cup is in America, yet Trump is nowhere to be seen at the stadiums! Is the US President himself avoiding the World Cup
One of the biggest talking points surrounding the ongoing FIFA World Cup in the United States has been the absence of U.S. President Donald Trump
Xtratime Web Desk: One of the biggest talking points surrounding the ongoing FIFA World Cup in the United States has been the absence of U.S. President Donald Trump. Ahead of the tournament, many expected the host nation's president to make regular appearances at matches. However, with the competition now well past its halfway stage, Trump has yet to attend a single game.
His absence has been particularly noticeable given that he did not attend any of the United States' group-stage matches, raising speculation over whether he is deliberately staying away from the tournament.
Interestingly, Trump's stance before the World Cup was entirely different. He had hailed ticket sales as the most successful in World Cup history. Last December, he also attended the FIFA World Cup draw, where FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented him with the organization's inaugural "Peace Prize." Their close relationship has been a subject of discussion in recent months.
During his second term, Trump has made appearances at several major sporting events in the United States, including the Super Bowl, the FIFA Club World Cup final, and the opening ceremony of the Ryder Cup. That makes his continued absence from the FIFA World Cup all the more surprising.
When the United States previously hosted the World Cup in 1994, then-President Bill Clinton attended the opening match and officially welcomed fans from around the world. In contrast, Trump's absence this time has fueled widespread speculation.
So far, neither the White House nor the Trump administration has offered any official explanation. On the day of the United States' opening World Cup match, Secretary of State Marco Rubio represented the administration instead. Reports suggested that Trump was occupied with a special UFC event hosted at the White House.
Despite his absence so far, many believe the U.S. President could still attend the tournament's biggest occasion—the FIFA World Cup final—and potentially take part in the trophy presentation ceremony. Until then, questions surrounding his absence are likely to continue.
