'They rigged the election, I got the World Cup': Trump revisits 2020 claims at FIFA reception

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: President Donald Trump used a reception with FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the FIFA Council meeting in New York to revisit his claims about the 2020 presidential election while celebrating the United States' role in hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking from the Trump Tower on Friday, July 17, the president credited his administration with securing both the World Cup and the Los Angeles Olympics, while arguing he would have already completed two terms had the 2020 election not been "rigged."

Trump credits himself for bringing FIFA World Cup to North America

During the event, Trump reflected on the successful bid that awarded the 2026 FIFA World Cup to the US, Canada and Mexico, describing it as one of the defining achievements of his first administration. "But eight years ago, all the way back in 2018, it was my honor to help secure the World Cup for North America," he said.

The president then pivoted to the 2020 presidential election, repeating claims that have been consistently rejected by courts, state election officials, and previous federal investigations.

"I said, you know, I was supposed to not be here right now. I was supposed to be president for eight years. The polls showed it, everyone showed it. They rigged the election, and what did I get? I got the World Cup, I got the Olympics, and I brought them here," Trump said.

He also joked about attempting to claim credit for the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations before returning to the sporting events. "I tried to take credit for 250 years, but that didn't work out as well. I tried to say I created 250 years. That one didn't work. But I did get the Olympics, and we got this," the 80-year-old said.

Standing alongside Trump, FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the tournament's success and thanked the president for supporting preparations for the event, calling it "the greatest human social and cultural event that mankind has ever witnessed."

Trump revives election interference claims in primetime address, calls for voting safeguards

Trump's FIFA appearance followed his Thursday White House address in which he announced the release of declassified intelligence documents that he said demonstrated China's efforts to interfere in the 2020 election.

On Friday, he reiterated those assertions in a Truth Social post, writing that newly released intelligence showed China had acquired approximately 220 million US voter files containing names, addresses, phone numbers, and political affiliations.

The Republican leader argued the records exposed what he called "an unprecedented election security nightmare," claiming the data gave China information "needed to register to vote, and engage in other nefarious activities."

Trump also alleged that key intelligence on election security had been concealed from the public, saying, "this evidence shows that the election system we have is dangerously exposed to hacking, exploitation, and foreign interference. Just as disturbingly, this vital information has for many years been covered up and hidden from you, the American People."