President Donald Trump attended the FIFA Club World Cup final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, a high-profile appearance that also marked the first anniversary of the assassination attempt against him.
The president was seen in a private suite watching the championship match. His presence drew significant attention, with a heavy security detail visible throughout the venue. The visit was not officially announced on his public schedule until closer to the event, a common practice for presidential appearances requiring heightened security.
The date held a dual significance, as it was exactly one year ago, on July 13, 2024, that Trump was targeted in an assassination attempt during a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania. The incident left him with an injury to his ear.
While the primary purpose of his attendance was to watch the final match of the global football tournament, the anniversary was a prominent backdrop to the event. The White House has not yet issued a formal statement reflecting on the anniversary, but the president's public appearance is seen by many as a symbol of his recovery and resilience.
The FIFA Club World Cup, newly expanded to 32 teams, is being hosted across the United States, with the final match taking place in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The tournament brings together top club teams from around the world, and the final is one of the most-watched sporting events globally. The president's attendance underscores the significance of the U.S. hosting such a major international competition.