Trump and Infantino: A Controversial Relationship Solidified Since 2018

U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced strong support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, describing any move to oust him as a "terrible mistake." This backing comes as Infantino navigates internal FIFA crises, including the withdrawal of his controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise project, which aimed to commercialize World Cup rights and involved Joshua Kushner, Ivanka Trump's brother-in-law.

The public "friendship" between Trump and Infantino solidified around the 2026 World Cup bid, which the U.S. co-hosted. Their interactions began in earnest in 2018, with Infantino visiting the White House and gifting Trump personalized FIFA memorabilia. They met again at the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires and in the Oval Office. Trump even invited Infantino to speak at the World Economic Forum in Davos and designated him a special guest for Trump's second presidential inauguration in January 2025.

“

it would be a terrible mistake

Their relationship has been marked by several controversial moments. In July 2025, FIFA opened an office in Trump Tower in New York. Later that year, in November, Infantino called Trump a "close friend" at the American Business Forum in Miami, thanking him for his help with the World Cup organization. This statement drew criticism from Miguel Poiares Maduro, former president of FIFA's governance committee, who deemed it a violation of neutrality rules.

Further controversy arose in December 2025 when Infantino presented Trump with FIFA's first Peace Prize during the World Cup draw ceremony. The human rights NGO FairSquare filed a complaint with FIFA's ethics committee, arguing the award undermined political impartiality. During the 2026 World Cup, it was reported that Trump called Infantino to intervene in a one-match suspension for U.S. player Folarin Balogun, who had received a red card. Despite the automatic one-game ban for a direct red card, Balogun's suspension was put on hold, allowing him to play.

“

close friend