Conservative podcaster Benny Johnson argued Tuesday that the FIFA World Cup has been a major success for President Donald Trump, despite the U.S. Men’s National Team being knocked out of the tournament by Belgium in the Round of 16.
Johnson made the comments during an appearance on Fox News’ Jesse Watters Primetime, where guest host Charlie Hurt asked him about reactions from critics following the American team’s elimination.
The U.S. exited the tournament after a loss to Belgium, ending its World Cup run shortly after Trump publicly revealed that he had personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino in an effort to overturn a red card issued to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun.
According to Trump, the appeal was successful, allowing Balogun to participate in the Round of 16 match against Belgium.
The president’s involvement sparked criticism from some sports fans, with some on social media referring to an alleged “Trump curse” surrounding sports teams.
During the Fox News segment, Hurt suggested that some Democrats had rooted against the United States during the tournament and asked Johnson whether he ever expected to see that happen.
Johnson began his response by joking about Americans’ interest in soccer.
“Yeah Charlie, so thus ends the two weeks every single four years that America cares about soccer,” Johnson said.
Although he acknowledged the loss, Johnson praised the U.S. squad, calling it an “actually quite incredible and impressive team this year.”
He then pivoted to humor, contrasting Belgium’s soccer victory with American professional sports.
Johnson joked that Belgium has won “zero Super Bowls” and “zero World Series,” suggesting those accomplishments should provide consolation for disappointed American fans.
He also proposed a tongue-in-cheek rule change for international soccer.
“Nobody asked me but I think this should be something that is standard,” Johnson said. “If America has had to invade your country to liberate you in the last 100 years, then we should get a one goal advantage.”
Hurt responded by quipping that such circumstances should result in “a red card against them.”
Johnson laughed and referenced Balogun’s overturned red card, saying, “That red card thing worked great.”
He continued by suggesting the United States should have begun the match with a two-goal advantage before broadening his comments to Europe more generally.
Johnson said Belgium had needed American assistance in the past and added that “all of Europe” had sought help from the United States.
Turning to Trump’s critics, Johnson urged what he described as “seething libs” to look at social media videos showing Europeans visiting the United States.
According to Johnson, many travelers from Europe express enthusiasm about being in America and do not want to leave.
He joked that the United States could conduct a “trade,” sending liberals to Europe while welcoming grateful Europeans to America instead.
Johnson also mocked what he described as Europe’s “socialist utopias,” referencing a lack of ice, air conditioning, and what he called “glorious free health care that we pay for with our military budget.”
Closing his remarks, Johnson argued that the World Cup had ultimately benefited Trump and the United States from a public relations standpoint.
“All of the people of Europe and these NATO countries should take note, this has been an incredible propaganda win for Trump and the American people,” Johnson said.
He pointed to visitors from Europe praising aspects of American life, including ranch dressing and free drink refills, saying those experiences reflected positively on the country.
“It’s a paradise in America,” Johnson said. “It’s been wonderful for us. So yeah I will trade our libs for the grateful Europeans any day.”
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