Trump crashes the World Cup: the biggest US soccer match ever
It's peak World Cup. Tonight, Team USA takes on Belgium in what Paul Rieckhoff calls the biggest American soccer match in his lifetime — and of course, Donald Trump has already inserted himself into it. In this solo briefing, Paul draws the contrast between striker Folarin Balogun's quiet, honorable leadership and a president trying to vampire the shine off a moment America actually needs.
It's America 250 week, the World Cup has swept through New York, and tonight Team USA plays Belgium in what host Paul Rieckhoff calls…
The Brief
→ Four things from today’s episodeWhy tonight's US vs. Belgium match is the biggest American s. Why tonight's US vs. Belgium match is the biggest American soccer moment in a generation
Trump inserting himself into FIFA's red-card review. and the 'if we lose, it's rigged' setup
Folarin Balogun's response to the ejection. 'I never want to react out of anger and out of emotion'
The Patriot Front march through DC on July 4th with Confeder. The Patriot Front march through DC on July 4th with Confederate flags chanting 'Reclaim America'
Recent Episodes
Governor Wes Moore on America at 250 and the work of patriotism
Ken Burns on America at 250: revolution, patriotism, and the fight ahead
Gen. Barry McCaffrey: the danger of thinking war can be easy
War is chaotic — and we went in without a strategy
Admiral Bill McRaven: don't lose hope — and why K-12 is our biggest threat
Hegseth has gone too far — the Pentagon purge hits General Donahue
Trump vs the GOP and why NYC's primary is broken
Tucker and MTG bail on the GOP — and 5M independents get locked out
By the Beat
→ 6 verticals we’re coveringGet TMI: The Morning Independent in your inbox.
Four things you need to know, every weekday morning. Pulled from the show, written by humans, free forever.