Donald Trump received a very frosty welcome indeed at Sunday’s Club World Cup final in New Jersey. The protestors firmly established that they did not accept him. Following the Blues’ stunning 3-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain on aggregate that earned them a spot in the semi-finals, the former president awarded them the trophy. The crowd reacted with thunderous boos, hisses and jeers, exposing a rift between him and the public’s mood. At the event, Trump focused on the need to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Instead of calling for its outright abolishment, he claimed that it needed to be “remade.”
Tensions escalated further as, in a final visit just before the match began with the national anthem playing, Trump was greeted with a symphony of booing from spectators. This chilly welcome continued as he walked onto the stage to deliver the trophy with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Despite the negative sentiment, Trump remained at the forefront of Chelsea’s trophy lift, symbolizing his continued involvement in high-profile events even amid public criticism.
Trump’s Proposed FEMA Reforms
FEMA should be the front line of America’s emergency response—and Trump recently said that he wants to reform FEMA. Changes he says the agency needs are strategic and fundamental—forcing its complete eradication. Even Kristi Noem, another repeat backer of Trump, reinforced this message, saying,
“I think the president recognizes that FEMA should not exist the way that it always has been. It needs to be redeployed in a new way, and that’s what we did during this response.”
This lens reinforces the idea that Trump wants to keep FEMA performing its core functions while eliminating inefficiencies he believes exist in the organization. Their articulation by the former president would mark a possible turning point. Smartly, many of these same political figures are now calling for a reassessment of federal agencies to better confront 21st century challenges.
Trade Tensions with the EU
Aside from his comments on FEMA, Trump has officially reset trade relations with the European Union back in time. He recently threatened to impose 30% tariffs on nearly all imports from the EU if negotiation efforts do not yield more favorable trade terms. In turn, European leaders have been furious about this ultimatum. Protecting interests French President Emmanuel Macron, above, has urged the EU to “defend European interests in a more resolute manner.”
The proposed tariffs would have greater overall implications for international trade relations, adding fuel to an already heated economic climate. Trump is adamant about getting tough trade deals. This underscores his deep commitment to hard-nosed, muscle-flexing trade policies, which he sees as vital for protecting American interests.
Celebrities Respond to Trump’s Remarks
In related news, Rosie O’Donnell responded to Trump’s new threats to take away her citizenship, calling them an overreaction. She stated,
“So, I didn’t take it personally, but I will tell you the way that he is has emboldened people like him.”
Congresswoman O’Donnell’s statements underscore an increasing concern on the part of politicians. They are concerned that such divisive and inflammatory rhetoric will incite violence and disorder. This sentiment rings true with anyone who believes that Trump’s rude and destructive communication style has changed the nature of political discourse in America.
Meanwhile, Kevin Hassett, a former economic advisor to Trump, noted that the former president believes trade deal offers must substantially improve. Hassett reaffirmed Trump’s willingness to go through with threatened tariffs on Mexico and the EU. Now he says that he’ll take this step if negotiations drag on without meeting his standards.
Upcoming UK Visit
Looking forward, as it stands now Trump will be in the United Kingdom from September 17-19. This trip coincides with the House of Commons’ traditional recess for party conferences, strategically avoiding the possibility of addressing parliament. One of the ceremonial highlights of Trump’s visit will be an audience with the new King, Charles III, at Windsor Castle.
This visit is just the most recent chapter in a unique—and often problematic—international agenda Trump has pursued since leaving office. His reception in the UK is, at this date, still hard to call. This is largely attributable to his controversial legacy and the highly polarized opinions of citizens.