SerpApi.Org
Both Melania Trump and Donald Trump made their feelings known about Jennifer Hudson's performance of the National Anthem at the FIFA World Cup final.
The American Idol star, 44, took center stage for the final World Cup match between Argentina and Spain in New York on Sunday, July 19, delivering the iconic song before the packed crowd - which included both the president and the first lady. Following the president's recent revelation about how he and his son Barron Trump have connected over soccer, all eyes turned to the couple as they watched Hudson perform from their private box at MetLife Stadium.
Hudson, stunning in a white gown featuring red, white and blue laces along the back, delivered a powerful and soulful performance that thrilled viewers watching at home. It comes as a lip reader exposed FIFA boss Gianni Infantino's desperate plea to Trump that he ignored in a humiliating moment.
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According to lip reader Nicola Hickling, the first couple appeared more than satisfied with her performance.
"Our girl, beautiful voice," Donald Trump said to his wife, according to the lip reader. "Did you like it?" The first lady is believed to have replied, "Of course, she sang our favorite song." President Trump added, "I liked it too."
The couple's appearance at the match follows Trump's earlier attendance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York back in June - an outing at which Melania was absent, with the president instead accompanied by his granddaughter, Kai Trump, reports the Irish Star.
The appearance of Trump, who was brutally humiliated by a key player in front of the cameras, at that game sparked significant backlash.
He was not only filmed dozing off during play, but was also booed by the crowd - though footage of this was subsequently altered online to suggest cheering instead.
He also drew criticism because it was the only game the eventual champions - the New York Knicks - lost throughout the entire series. The first lady's presence at the World Cup final follows an appearance by her husband's aide, Natalie Harp, at Trump Tower for a FIFA-related reception - though critics accused her of appearing to have an ulterior motive given her close proximity to the president.
After photos of Harp beaming at her 80-year-old boss on stage circulated across social media, numerous critics wasted no time mocking her and questioning why she was present while Melania was not.
"Republicans and their 'family values.' Didn't Trump have a wife? Why is Natalie Harp there instead of Melania?" one person asked.
"She's auditioning to be the next Melania," another mused, indicating the president's history of dalliances outside of his marriage – after his affair with second wife Marla Maples while married to Ivana Trump.
It comes as Lionel Messi was savagely yanked back by Trump in an excruciating moment.
