EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill blamed President Donald Trump for recent setbacks involving American sports teams during remarks Thursday at MetLife Stadium, saying the president “has been a real curse on our American sports teams.”
Speaking during an event highlighting New Jersey’s role as host of the FIFA World Cup Final, Sherrill said she had hoped the U.S. Men’s National Team would reach the championship match before attributing the disappointment to Trump.
Sherrill links Trump to sports disappointments
“Unfortunately, Trump has been a real curse on our American sports teams, from the Knicks to the U.S. team, as he got involved,” Sherrill said. “I had had a dream of hosting the U.S. team in the final. That’s not to be.”
She then turned to promoting New Jersey’s role in hosting the tournament, saying the state was ready to welcome fans from around the world.
“We’re bringing the world to New Jersey, but we already have the world in New Jersey,” Sherrill said. “We have people from every corner of the planet who live in the state of New Jersey.”
The governor also praised MetLife Stadium, calling its World Cup playing surface impressive and describing the venue as one of the nation’s largest stadiums.
Political criticism follows remarks
Sherrill’s comments quickly became a point of criticism from Republican officials and conservative commentators, who argued she was injecting national politics into an event focused on the World Cup.
The governor has also faced criticism from some New Jersey residents over rising property taxes, tolls, and energy costs. Others questioned her public focus on World Cup events while communities across the state continued recovering from severe storms that left tens of thousands of utility customers without power for days.
Despite the criticism, Sherrill emphasized the significance of New Jersey hosting the World Cup Final, noting that an estimated one in three people worldwide are expected to watch the match from MetLife Stadium.
“We are thrilled to host everyone,” she said.
