Fact Check: Did Trump say FIFA World Cup should be called the 'USA Cup'?
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY: Following the much-awaited FIFA World Cup finals between Argentina and Spain, a rumor began circulating on social media platforms claiming that President Donald Trump said that the World Cup should be called ‘USA Cup’ in an online post. The claim has sparked mockery and questions, leading to a fact check.
Claim: Trump said that the World Cup should be called ‘USA Cup’
The rumor surfaced in the form of a screenshot, claiming to show a post by Trump on his official Truth Social handle. The alleged post said, “First of all, it's called SOCCER, not FOOTBALL."
"Second, I'm sitting here at the World Cup (, should be called USA Cup!!) and one thing is clear, Your Favorite President would have scored Several Goals by now. This is the first time anyone has cared about Spain since 1492."
"I hope the game finishes soon because right after, I will be sending our Beautiful B2s to destroy Iran's t******** regime which has been KILLING Americans for 47 years!!! Messi = GOAT.”
The claim has garnered mockery against Trump from online users, suggesting that many believe the post to be real.
Fact Check: Donald Trump made no such post
The screenshot, however, is fake and fabricated, as Trump has made no such post as of this writing. A search on his Truth Social account or commentary accounts that archive all his Truth Social posts yielded no posts that match the text in the screenshot.
A closer look at the post, which many appear to miss, reveals that the alleged post ends by stating, ‘NOT DTJ.’ Additionally, a label under the post states, ‘Made with AI,’ indicating that the screenshot was made using Artificial Intelligence.
Despite the evidence of fabrication, the screenshot continues to gain traction, with many mocking the president.
Donald Trump sparks podium awkwardness after Spanish victory
On Sunday, July 19, Trump briefly stole the spotlight during Spain's FIFA World Cup trophy celebrations after remaining on the podium as the newly crowned champions prepared to lift the trophy following their 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina.
Trump, who attended the finals at MetLife Stadium alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and several world leaders, presented medals to players from both teams before handing the World Cup trophy to Spanish captain Rodri.
An awkward moment unfolded when the president stayed on stage with the winning players instead of stepping aside, prompting FIFA officials to signal to him to move so the team could celebrate.
