The nexus of politics and sports has existed since humans first walked the earth. But President Donald J. Trump’s brand of politics is a game-changer. Outspoken, brash, divisive, and frequently in error, he usually casts a pall over an event meant to uplift people. Even his mere presence, or the effects of his selfish policies, can influence attendance and the splendor of an athletic contest.

Three current sporting contests are prime examples of how the president’s politics and policies are a deterrent to the enjoyment of what should be entertaining family fare. The fact that Mr. Trump is oblivious to this reality makes it all the more tragic.

Trump’s Politics Turn Off World Cup Fans

Sales of tickets for upcoming World Cup soccer matches in the United States, Canada, and Mexico are not exactly flying off the shelves. Actual ticket sales are significantly behind estimates, including for the US’s debut game on Friday against Paraguay in Los Angeles. Much has been made about the International Association Football Federation’s (FIFA) exorbitant ticket prices and the cost of travel, especially to the US venues. But another key factor is also depressing event ticket sales.

Many people, including players, officials, and fans, are simply afraid to travel to the United States to attend matches. The president’s politics and policy stances have scared, angered, and intimidated participants. Tightened immigration policies, travel bans, draconian border practices, and ICE enforcement activities have made the US a less desirable place to travel to.

His imposition of global tariffs, his embrace of oligarchs like Viktor Orban and Vladimir Putin, and his combative relationship with Canada, Mexico, Greenland, Panama, etc., have isolated the US from some of its loyal and long-standing international partners. His unprecedented attack on Iran has already prompted that country’s World Cup team to relocate its games to Mexico. His brand of confrontational politics runs counter to FIFA’s goal of having the World Cup serve as a platform to heal the world.

Trump Angers New York Knicks Fans

To suggest the president is unpopular in New York City is a monumental understatement. No one was happier than the citizens of the Big Apple to see Trump retire to his Mar-a-Lago club after his first term. So, when James Dolan, the owner of the Knicks, invited the president to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden (MSG), you knew sparks would fly.

The first salvo in this installment of the conflict was the cancellation of the viewing party outside the arena due to security concerns related to the president’s attendance. These parties have unified New Yorkers during the Knicks’ incredible run and have brought the city together in support of their beloved Knicks. Next, game attendees were subjected to extended searches upon entering MSG, as ordered by the Secret Service.

Dolan and Knicks management tried to pull a fast one on their fans before the start of the game. They introduced the president to the crowd on their Jumbotron during the playing of the National Anthem. They assumed that doing so would limit the boos from the many people who disagree with his politics. How wrong they were. Not only did the fans in attendance at the Garden boo, but so did the fans at one of the relocated watch parties up the block at Bryant Park.

From there, Trump behaved like his usual self. He slobbered down pizza and copious amounts of French fries and tended to his chapped, diseased hands. He even found time to catch a nap or two. I believe many Knicks fans blame the president for their 115-111 loss that night. The only consolation for New York fans is that he stayed away for Game 4, which saw their team mount the biggest come-from-behind victory in NBA Finals history.

The Embarrassing Politics of the UFC White House Event

And in the spectacle of all spectacles, the scheduled UFC White House Event will certainly go down as the most embarrassing event ever held at this revered institution. Billed as part of the United States 250th Anniversary Celebration, this is really just a personal gift to the president on his 80th birthday. The June 14th event has sparked considerable controversy, primarily centered on a lawsuit filed by the Public Integrity Project.

The lawsuit states that the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service unlawfully organized a private sporting event on public property, in breach of park service regulations. The plaintiffs also claim that the event organizers failed to obtain congressional approval before constructing the stadium that will house the seven-fight card.

As with so much of the president’s politics, this event is not supported by most Americans. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released today, only 16% of Americans support the event at the White House, and 46% said holding the fights was inappropriate.

The event is estimated to cost $60 million and will purportedly be paid for by the UFC and its parent company, TKO. Dana White, president and chief executive officer of the UFC, told Time Magazine that they expect to lose about $30 million on the event.

Nothing New with This President

No matter how much friction his politics causes, the president seems unfazed by criticism of his policies and actions. With his popularity rating in most polls hovering in the mid-30s, he apparently feels emboldened to continue doing anything he chooses. With no guardrails surrounding him in his administration, only average folks banding together in protest can end this madness.