In the Oval Office for an event promoting his “Trump Accounts,” Sen. Ted Cruz praised President Donald Trump for “getting rid of that ridiculous red card,” referring to Trump’s intervention with FIFA over a red card that would have barred Folarin Balogun from
Monday morning in the Oval Office, Sen. Ted Cruz stood close enough to share the upbeat mood of the moment—then pivoted to a sports controversy that had exploded just days earlier.
Cruz thanked President Donald Trump for “getting rid of that ridiculous red card. ” calling it “spectacular.” The remark landed on the same day the U.S. men’s national team was set to play Belgium. after reports surfaced that Trump had contacted the head of FIFA and asked for a review of a red card. That red card, the reports said, would have barred U.S. striker Folarin Balogun from playing in the World Cup match.
Trump later confirmed those reports during the Q&A following the event, bringing the Oval Office praise and the FIFA dispute into the same news cycle.
Cruz’s comments came as he joined Trump for an event about his “Trump Accounts.” In his opening remarks. Cruz also praised Trump in his own style. saying “the document hanging on that wall just turned 250 years old. as did the nation that it created.” He referenced the bell Trump rang on the Resolute Desk. saying he believed it “heralds that the next 250 years will be even greater than the first 250.” Trump joked in response: “You mean the bell that I’m not giving back?” Cruz continued. adding. “I think everyone knew you were going to keep the bell. And on behalf of all Americans, thank you for getting rid of that ridiculous red card. It was spectacular,” as Trump smiled.
Cruz then returned to the theme of his “Trump Accounts” remarks. He said the program—describing it as “Donald Trump’s New Deal”—is meant to make “every child and every American a capitalist. ” rather than relying on the government “take care of everyone.” Cruz argued that the accounts would give children ownership stakes in large companies. describing how each child would receive $250. and explaining that with that money they would buy small portions of major businesses.
He singled out McDonald’s and Boeing as examples. saying. “You now own a little of McDonald’s. ” and “You’re an owner of Boeing.” Cruz framed that ownership as “transformational. ” arguing it would change how children view their ability to build “life-transforming savings” over time. including for children of single moms.
At the center of his pitch was Cruz’s emphasis on a commitment he said Trump had made that would “auto-enroll every child in America.” Cruz said “All 70 million children will have accounts opened for them. ” and described those accounts as able to receive gifts from people including Michael and Susan and Brad.
He then urged parents, employers, and philanthropists to act immediately. To parents at home. Cruz said to “go to TrumpAccounts.gov” and “sign your kids up.” To employers. he said. “if you’re not contributing to the accounts of your employees’ kids. do so now. ” adding that employers should “Match their contribution. double their contribution.” And to philanthropists. Cruz told them to “go adopt a state. ” “go adopt your city. ” or “go adopt a school. ” saying they should support kids in their community “get started.”.
For Cruz, the red card reversal and the broader “Trump Accounts” pitch were tied together in his framing of momentum—he called the moment “transformational” and thanked Trump again as the event moved forward.
No matter how the Oval Office applause lands, the timing is impossible to ignore: Cruz’s Oval Office gratitude for “getting rid” of a “ridiculous” red card arrived the same day Trump confirmed he had sought a FIFA review that helped clear the way for Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium.
Ted Cruz Donald Trump Oval Office FIFA red card Folarin Balogun World Cup Belgium TrumpAccounts.gov Trump Accounts