Robert Reich, former US secretary of labor, criticizes President Donald Trump's intervention in the World Cup, arguing it has tarnished the integrity of the game. Reich's commentary comes after Trump confirmed he asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review a red card suspension for US striker Folarin Balogun, which would have kept him out of Monday's match against Belgium.
Trump's request to FIFA
On Sunday afternoon, Trump posted on social media, 'Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!' The president's intervention followed Balogun's red card in a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Trump's request to Infantino was confirmed by the White House, according to reports.
Reich draws a parallel between this incident and lessons he taught his children about accepting losses and referee decisions. 'The purpose of the game wasn't just to win. The purpose of any game is to have fun, to enjoy the sport. It's also to appreciate the contestants on both sides – their skill and excellence. And to follow the rules,' Reich writes.
Impact on trust and fairness
Reich argues that Trump's action undermines trust in the US team's achievements. 'How can anyone ever again trust that the United States has won a game fair and square? How can the fine athletes representing us rejoice in a victory when the president of the United States has used his political power to seek to change a referee's call?' he asks.
He compares this to Trump's broader political behavior, including his claims about the 2020 election and the January 6 Capitol attack. 'Bullies who abuse their power by altering the rules of a game to favor themselves end up spoiling the game for everyone,' Reich states.
Broader implications for America
Reich concludes that Trump's intervention has 'forever tarnished the integrity of the game' and 'the integrity of America.' He emphasizes that such actions destroy trust in systems like World Cup competitions, political races, and market economies.
According to Reich, the incident teaches children the wrong lesson: that winning is more important than playing honorably. 'We don't want them to bully their way to success, as Trump has done his whole life,' he writes.
