Spectators at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday weren’t expecting a raucous start to the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. American President Donald Trump learned this the hard way when he was booed profusely when he appeared on a huge screen.
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Trump arrived a little earlier by helicopter. New Jersey is a Democratic state, which means the Republican is clearly unpopular.
The reaction could also be explained by the fact that recent months have generated political tensions between Spain and the United States.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has repeatedly expressed disagreement with Trump. In particular, he deplored tariffs, the United States’ takeover of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last January and the Iran war, in which Mr. Sanchez refused to use Spanish military bases and airspace.
At this month’s NATO summit in Turkey, Trump did not go easy on his Spanish counterpart.
“Cut all trade with Spain, including visits,” he said.
Donald Trump shook hands with Spanish President Pedro Sanchez as FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and Spain’s King and Queen Felipe VI and Letizia watched.
Photo by AFP
Two politicians with different views nevertheless shook hands and sat in the same box.
“There are many things that unite American society with Spanish society. Besides differences, sport unites,” the Prime Minister of Spain commented to RTVE media.
Also in the box were Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The four presented medals to the players, while Trump and Infantino presented the trophy to Rodri, captain of the World Cup winners Spain. The midfielder was also named the most valuable player of the tournament.