Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) stunned the Oval Office Monday into a brief moment of silence after openly admitting to President Donald Trump’s meddling in a FIFA World Cup game – an acknowledgement that later elicited awkward laughter from those in the room.
Last week, Folarin Balogun, who plays for the U.S. national team, received a red card, a penalty that carries a one-game suspension. However, reporting from Politico revealed that Trump’s inner circle had mobilized within minutes to intervene and were ultimately successful in getting Balogun’s suspension overturned.
Cruz, while attending an Oval Office ceremony for the launch of “Trump Accounts,” not only acknowledged Trump’s alleged involvement in FIFA’s decision, but thanked the president directly for it.
“On behalf of all Americans, thank you for getting rid of that ridiculous red card,” Cruz said.
The seven people surrounding Cruz let out a hushed round of nervous laughter before falling silent. Trump grinned as those in the room exchanged glances.
After several seconds, Trump, still grinning, proclaimed Cruz’s remark to be “interesting,” eliciting another round of awkward laughter.
“It was spectacular!” Cruz said. “There was a reason the FIFA trophy stood here for as long as it did.”
Cruz: On behalf of all Americans, thank you for getting rid of that ridiculous red card.
President Trump: That was interesting.
Cruz: It was spectacular. There was a reason the FIFA trophy sat here for as long as it did pic.twitter.com/LoCwAvWLuu
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 6, 2026