US President Donald Trump is reportedly in crisis mode as viral Jeffrey Epstein chants spread through World Cup stadiums, with genuine doubts emerging about whether he will even present the trophy at the July 19 final. White House aides are working frantically to shield Trump from the antagonism, especially from fans of English-speaking countries.
Supporters Chant Epstein References
Supporters from England, Scotland, Australia, and New Zealand have composed songs that now echo through pubs before kick-off and reverberate around stadiums during matches. The chants link Trump to his friendship with Epstein and to his appearance in Epstein-related files.
A source told Mirror US: "There isn't a fan alive who doesn't know how fragile Trump's ego is. In recent months, he has had to contend with widespread booing whenever he attends major sporting events in America, but this is another level entirely. New Yorkers were furious when he turned up at the recent Knicks basketball game. But World Cup supporters are taking it to a whole new level, linking Trump to his friendship with Epstein and to his appearance in Epstein-related files. His staff are in crisis mode trying to prevent the President from being exposed to the chants in person, and that includes avoiding matches involving English-speaking teams."
Trump's Association with Epstein
Trump's well-documented association with Epstein, who died in a New York prison cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, is being highlighted by supporters. The pair moved within similar elite social circles during the 1980s and 1990s and were photographed together on numerous occasions. In a 2002 interview with New York magazine, Trump described Epstein as a "terrific guy" and said he was "a lot of fun to be with."
The president has since sought to distance himself from his former acquaintance, claiming that the pair fell out years before Epstein's criminal convictions and insisting he barred him from Mar-a-Lago. Trump has consistently rejected any wrongdoing connected to the Epstein case, has not been charged with any offences by authorities, and has never been named as the focus of any inquiry.
Chants Resonate Across Stadiums
Principal broadcasters have been made aware of the chants resonating throughout stadiums. One Washington insider said: "For opponents of Trump, Epstein has become shorthand for a story that refuses to go away. Soccer supporters are seizing on that. Whether the White House likes it or not, they have found a chant that instantly gets a reaction because everyone knows exactly what it refers to."
Australian supporters were amongst the first to make headlines after footage of thousands singing anti-Trump songs spread rapidly across social media. Videos captured in World Cup host cities have since accumulated millions of views online. The chants have emerged as one of the unexpected narratives of the tournament, demonstrating how numerous supporters beyond America view the President.
Trump's Absence from Matches
Trump has yet to attend a single World Cup match despite the United States serving as host nation — an absence that has raised eyebrows. While White House officials have publicly cited scheduling conflicts, Trump's decision to skip the United States' opening fixture was highly unusual for a leader of the host nation. Attention is now turning to whether he will put in an appearance at forthcoming matches, as a growing number of fans take up chants referencing Epstein.
Instead, senior administration representatives have acted on behalf of the White House at fixtures and tournament occasions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was amongst those in attendance at America's opening fixture while Trump remained in Washington. Controversial Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has likewise appeared at matches and attracted substantial attention from spectators. A video circulating online from the United States vs Australia fixture in Seattle appeared to show Kennedy being audibly heckled by sections of the crowd when shown on stadium screens.
FIFA's Peace Prize to Trump
In the lead-up to the tournament, Trump received an enthusiastic reception from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who presented him with football's governing body's first-ever 'Peace Prize' at the World Cup draw. FIFA declared the honour was bestowed upon an individual who had "taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace" and had "united people across the world." Weeks later, Trump authorised military strikes against Iran. Infantino has made several trips to the White House and has forged a close relationship with the President.
Concerns Over Deep Runs by English-Speaking Teams
As the tournament moves into the knockout stages, the possibility of England or Scotland making a deep run is becoming an increasing concern for those charged with keeping Trump calm. The Washington insider added: "Unlike carefully managed campaign rallies, international football supporters are unpredictable at best and care nothing for political sensitivities. The issue is particularly acute with English-speaking supporters because their chants are instantly understood by American audiences and television viewers alike."
