Trump Tries to Dribble Ronaldo Joke Past Portugal Prez, Scores Own Goal

US president Donald Trump’s ability to make a fool of himself is well documented. He was at it again on Wednesday, trying to crack a joke about football star Cristiano Ronaldo in front of the visiting Portuguese president. But president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, not one to take it lying down, responded by taking a jibe at US politics.

Trump and De Sousa met at the White House on Wednesday (June 27) -- the first bilateral meeting between the two heads of states. They started a casual banter about the ongoing FIFA World Cup during the interaction.

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De Sousa told Trump that when the US president meets Russian President Vladimir Putin during the NATO summit in Brussels next month, and if they end up talking about the World Cup, he should not forget to mention that "Portugal is still there and hopes to win...."

Trump agreed with De Sousa about Portugal "doing very well" at the World Cup.
De Sousa went on to talk about Portugal’s trump card in Russia -- Real Madrid’s Ronaldo. 

“Don't forget that Portugal has the best player in the world," said De Sousa. But Trump’s reply to that made things a little awkward. "So will Cristiano ever run for President against you?" he asked.

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As De Souza seemingly struggled to come up with an appropriate response, Trump had more to say. "Cristiano wouldn't win, you know he won't,” he told his guest.

De Sousa, possibly miffed, replied quickly: "President, you know -- you know something -- I must tell you, Portugal is not like the US. It's a little different."

De Sousa’s words must have weighed heavily on Trump, whose presidency, statements and decisions are always under critical glare, and are often ridiculed.

(With inputs from IANS)