Overview
- Kyle W. Kusz of the University of Rhode Island argues the 2026 tournament offers a perfect platform for the president to advance his agenda at home and abroad.
- He frames Trump’s approach as part of a right-wing “fourth wave” strategy that channels politics through cultural arenas such as sport.
- Reporting notes a pattern of high-visibility appearances at major events during Trump’s second term, including the Club World Cup final and the US Open men’s final.
- Kusz cites instances of displeasure from spectators at those events as evidence of a gap between the intended message and many fans’ reactions.
- He also observes a lack of prominent athletes who consistently endorse or consistently criticize Trump in 2025, reducing overt pushback or support from the sports world.