The American Left Is Now Rooting for Belgium to Beat Team USA — Because of Course They Are
There is no bottom. There is no floor. There is no point at which Trump Derangement Syndrome becomes too embarrassing for the American left to embrace publicly.
On American soil. During a tournament America is hosting. Because Donald Trump made a phone call.
Here’s what actually happened. U. S.
striker Folarin Balogun received a red card for stepping on an opponent’s ankle — a call that coaches, players, and fans across the political spectrum immediately criticized as excessive. Balogun himself argued a yellow card was more appropriate.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino called it harsh. Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino — exactly the kind of direct intervention the President of the United States makes on behalf of American interests all the time — and asked for a review.
FIFA’s independent judicial bodies reviewed the tape and agreed the punishment didn’t fit the offense. Balogun was cleared to play.
That’s it. That’s the whole story. A bad call got reviewed and overturned on the merits.
The left’s response was to start cheering for Belgium
“Used to be all-in on the USA tonight, but after Trump personally called the FIFA president and got them to reverse a suspension… Tonight I’m rooting for Belgium. ” Another poster announced they were “rooting for Belgium and the rule of law” — apparently unaware of the breathtaking irony of invoking the rule of law while cheering against their own country because they dislike its president.
Let’s be clear about what this actually reveals. These aren’t people who suddenly discovered a passion for Belgian football. These are people so consumed by hatred for one man that they will side against America — in a sporting event, on American soil, in front of the entire world — rather than experience a single moment of uncomplicated national pride that might be construed as a point for Trump.
It started with yard signs and resistance hashtags
It started with yard signs and resistance hashtags. It progressed through four years of rooting for economic failure, rooting against vaccines that worked, and rooting against any foreign policy success. And it has now arrived at its final, pathetic destination: rooting for Belgium in the World Cup because the president made a phone call on behalf of an American athlete.
Normal Americans — the ones who don’t spend every waking hour calculating the political implications of a soccer game — will be watching tonight cheering for their country.
The rest can enjoy explaining to their neighbors why they’re wearing Belgian scarves.
