In a lively segment on Monday night, late-night host Seth Meyers took aim at Donald Trump’s recent appearance at the World Cup final, where the former president faced a chorus of boos from the crowd. Meyers used the opportunity to highlight the absurdity of Trump’s relationship with Spain, his ongoing claims regarding the Iran conflict, and the puzzling state of Mitch McConnell’s health.
The Irony of Trump’s Celebration
Meyers began his monologue by pointing out the irony of Trump celebrating with the Spanish football team moments after their World Cup victory. “He’s been in a particularly strained relationship with Spain lately,” Meyers remarked, referring to Trump’s recent derogatory comments about the nation’s role in NATO and his demands to cut off trade. Just weeks ago, he labelled Spain a “terrible partner,” yet there he was, grinning on stage with the victorious team at MetLife Stadium.
“If you’re surprised to see him there, you clearly haven’t grasped the first rule of Trump: gold trumps everything,” Meyers quipped. He compared Trump’s appearance to a character from a film montage, jokingly suggesting that the optics were as bizarre as they were telling.
A Boisterous Reception
As Trump stepped onto the stage, the audience’s reaction was palpable. Meyers noted the crowd’s jeers during the trophy presentation, suggesting that Trump’s presence had cast a shadow over what should have been a unifying moment for sports fans. “At this point, I imagine Trump’s staff is trying to console him by saying he’s just being followed by ghosts,” he joked, playfully impersonating an aide reassuring the president that the boos were merely “Mitch McConnell saying hello.”
He also remarked on FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s attempt to usher Trump off the podium, saying, “Even the head of the most corrupt organisation on Earth was like, ‘This is a bad look.’”
Trump’s Track Record in Sports
Meyers did not hold back when discussing what he called Trump’s “sports curse.” He recounted a series of recent sports events where Trump’s presence seemed to correlate with disappointing outcomes. “He goes to the NBA finals, and the Knicks lose. He intervenes to overturn a red card, and the USA loses. He says you can’t bet against Messi, and Argentina loses,” Meyers lamented. “It’s like he’s a sports reaper.”
The host concluded that Trump’s involvement in sports events seems to bring bad luck, highlighting the former president’s failed ownership of a USFL team that ultimately folded.
The Ongoing Iran Conflict
Transitioning to more serious matters, Meyers addressed Trump’s insistence that the United States has won the war in Iran, despite ongoing conflict in the region. “It’s almost like he’s living in a parallel universe,” Meyers said, pointing out the contradictions in Trump’s statements. “He’s claimed victory 38 times, yet still says Iran will be defeated soon. It’s a bizarre thing to say about a country you allege has already been defeated.”
Why it Matters
Meyers’ commentary not only highlights the absurdity of Trump’s actions but also sheds light on the broader implications of his continued influence in American politics and culture. As he intertwines sports, politics, and public perception, the host reminds viewers of the complexities surrounding a figure who remains as controversial as he is captivating. In a time when public figures can sway societal narratives, Meyers’ reflections serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of accountability and critical discourse in the face of celebrity and power.
