Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) made things awkward for Donald Trump on Monday during an Oval Office press conference by breathlessly praising the president’s meddling in the World Cup.
American star forward Folarin Balogun was supposed to be suspended for Monday’s game against Belgium after receiving a red card during last Wednesday’s game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
However, FIFA lifted the suspension on Sunday after Trump intervened by asking officials to review the call despite there being no official appeals process for the automatic one-game ban.
Still, FIFA reversed Balogun’s red card by citing an article in its disciplinary code that says a “judicial body” can “fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”
But while Trump seemed happy with FIFA’s decision, he apparently wanted to keep his influence on the down low.
So he didn’t appear too thrilled when Cruz publicly praised the president’s efforts to reverse the red card during a press conference to promote Trump Accounts, a new federal savings account for children.
In fact, Cruz seemed to give up the game when he told reporters, “On behalf of all Americans, thank you for getting rid of that ridiculous red card.”
His remark was followed by nervous laughter from the other participants and a pained smile from Trump.
“That was interesting,” Trump responded, with the same intensity Southern people have when they say, “bless your heart.”
Trump was apparently miffed by Cruz’s compliment, as it appeared to suggest undue influence on his part. So he attempted damage control.
“All I did was ask for a review,” he insisted. “I didn’t say, ‘You have to do this.’”
But the exchange seemed to provide soccer fans on social media with evidence of possible shenanigans between Trump and FIFA.