Speculation surrounding a so-called 'Trump curse' has intensified following Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the recent World Cup final. The South American side, publicly backed by US President Donald Trump ahead of the match in New Jersey, failed to register a single shot on target throughout the game and saw midfielder Enzo Fernandez sent off, contributing to their loss. Social media platforms were quickly alight with fans attributing the outcome to the President's prior endorsement.
President Trump had expressed his support for Argentina in a pre-recorded interview with Fox's Jenny Taft, stating, "it's hard to bet against Messi." He acknowledged his friendship with Argentina's leader but ultimately leaned towards the team's star player. However, following the final whistle, online commentators, including the 'Republicans Against Trump' X account, swiftly quipped that "EVERYTHING Trump touches dies," sharing a clip of his comments.
This incident is not an isolated one, according to those propagating the 'curse' theory. Earlier in the World Cup, the USA men's football team crashed out of the tournament with a 4-1 loss to Belgium, just after President Trump reportedly intervened to overturn a red card for striker Folarin Balogun. The victorious Belgium team responded to the news on social media with a pointed "Overturn this."
Further examples cited include a New York Knicks playoff game in June, where President Trump's attendance at Madison Square Garden coincided with the team's loss to the San Antonio Spurs, ending their 13-game playoff winning streak. Although the Knicks later clinched the NBA championship on June 13, some fans initially pointed to the President's presence as a factor in the earlier defeat. Another instance occurred in November 2025, when the Washington Commanders were decisively beaten 44-22 by the Detroit Lions at a game attended by President Trump.
The narrative of an unfortunate influence extends beyond the realm of sports, with some commentators suggesting a broader pattern. The Independent's Holly Baxter previously wrote that "Trump has an almost supernatural knack for taking situations that are perfectly manageable and transforming them into catastrophes," citing issues at the Great American State Fair. Additionally, a $16 million refurbishment of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which has reportedly suffered from algae blooms and a damaged bottom surface, has also been drawn into the 'curse' discussion, with President Trump blaming "deranged vandals" for the damage.