Trump’s ominous World Cup comments are the opposite of ‘sportswashing’

President Donald Trump’s recent statement warning protesters at the FIFA World Cup to act “reasonably” or face legal consequences highlights his authoritarian tendencies rather than democratic principles. This approach is unlikely to help in reversing the decline in tourism linked to his immigration policies.

During a meeting of the World Cup task force at the White House, Trump was asked about the possibility of individuals participating in protests being able to attend the tournament in the U.S. His response suggested a requirement for protests to be conducted in a “reasonable” manner to avoid legal repercussions.

However, it is important to note that in the U.S., the government does not have the authority to determine the reasonableness of protests. While there are limitations on free speech, imposing a subjective standard of “reasonableness” could threaten democratic principles by providing grounds to restrict speech.

Trump’s track record on free speech has been concerning, with actions taken against immigrants for protected speech and attempts to limit expression in educational institutions. As such, individuals planning to protest during the World Cup should be cautious about potential crackdowns on dissent.

The World Cup has historically been a platform for athletes and fans to express social and political views. Trump’s vague criteria for acceptable speech raises concerns about potential restrictions on expression during the tournament, which could impact the event’s atmosphere and global perception of the U.S.

Overall, Trump’s approach to speech regulation and dissent may not only deter tourism but also contribute to a negative image of the U.S. on the global stage, potentially harming its credibility and economy.