Trump's Self-Inflicted Blunder

On the initial day of his second term, President Trump signed an executive order overturning the long-standing principle that anyone born on U.S. soil automatically receives U.S. citizenship. This decision underscored its significance to him.

While the World Cup was underway, a star player of the national team was shown a red card, leading to his expulsion from the game and forcing the team to continue with only 10 players. Remarkably, they still managed to secure a victory.

Additionally, the penalty meant the player would be unable to participate in today’s match against Belgium. In an unexpected move, President Trump intervened, attempting to have FIFA's red card suspension lifted so the player could compete.

Bravo, Mr. President! Nonetheless, the situation remains unsettled as Belgium has contested Trump's intervention. The player in question, Folarin Balogun, was born on July 3, 2001, in New York, USA. His parents, Florence and Ben Balogun, are of Nigerian descent, specifically the Yoruba tribe, known for its cultural ties to the Afro-Cuban religion of Yemanyá and Changó. They were residing in London at the time.

Florence was on vacation in New York visiting family while heavily pregnant. When she attempted to return to England, the airline refused her due to her advanced pregnancy and associated safety protocols. Consequently, Folarin was born in Brooklyn.

Staying with relatives, Florence gave birth to Balogun, who automatically received U.S. citizenship by birthright. They returned to London shortly after, as his mother stated they left when he was about two months old.

Balogun was raised and trained in soccer in England. His family’s visit to the U.S. was temporary, and his birth was incidental, a result of the airline’s refusal to fly his mother back due to her pregnancy. Despite never living in the U.S., he grew up in London.

Interestingly, although he identifies as British-Nigerian, he chose to represent the country of his birth. Individuals often feel a deep connection to "the land that saw me born."

From personal experience, in the U.S., talent is often valued above all else. “Talent trumps everything else.” In major corporations, leadership positions are filled by diverse nationalities, including Chinese and Indian individuals. Even in Trump’s enterprises, he is known for “importing” talent, irrespective of nationality.

With his appeal, Trump inadvertently contradicted his own stance that a child born in the U.S. to non-resident parents should not be considered American.