LIVE: Trump hosts Major League Soccer champions Inter Miami
TL;DR
President Trump hosted 2025 MLS Cup champions Inter Miami at the White House to celebrate Lionel Messi and the team's historic victories, while using the occasion to detail extensive U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran and tout record economic achievements including the Dow hitting 50,000.
⚔️ Military Operations in Iran 3 insights
Iranian military capabilities decimated
Trump claimed U.S. and Israeli forces destroyed 24 Iranian navy ships in three days and eliminated 60-64% of missile launch capabilities, with launchers struck within four minutes of firing.
Ultimatum to Iranian forces
He called on the Revolutionary Guard, military, and police to lay down arms in exchange for "total immunity" or face "absolutely guaranteed death," while urging diplomats to seek asylum.
Regional air defense eliminated
Trump stated Iranian anti-aircraft weapons, air force, and communications infrastructure have been destroyed, claiming missiles previously aimed at Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE are now neutralized.
📈 Economic Milestones 3 insights
Stock market records shattered
The administration highlighted the Dow Jones reaching 50,000 and S&P 500 records achieved within Trump's first year, surpassing four-year projections.
Oil market stabilization measures
Political risk insurance is being offered for tankers transiting the Gulf to control oil prices, with further actions imminent to reduce pressure on energy markets.
Tariff policy continues despite court ruling
Despite a Supreme Court decision complicating tariff implementation, Trump indicated alternative administrative methods would maintain trade pressure.
⚽ Inter Miami Championship 3 insights
Historic Club World Cup breakthrough
Inter Miami became the first North American club to defeat a European opponent in official competition, beating FC Porto 2-1 on Messi's free kick after tying Egypt's Al Ahly and a Brazilian club.
Record-breaking MLS season
The team set an MLS record with 101 goals in 2025, with Messi winning back-to-back MVP awards and the Golden Boot with 29 regular-season goals.
Championship pedigree under pressure
Trump contrasted Messi with other superstar athletes who "don't win" with new teams, praising him for delivering a championship under intense expectations.
🌎 Regional Diplomatic Initiatives 2 insights
Venezuela stabilization progress
The administration touted stabilization under President-elect Delcy Rodriguez, with hundreds of millions of barrels of Venezuelan oil being sent to Houston for refining.
Cuba policy shift imminent
Trump announced plans to address Cuba within weeks, noting the Mas family's Cuban origins and stating leaders there "want to make a deal so badly."
Bottom Line
The event served as a dual-purpose platform combining sports diplomacy with major foreign policy announcements regarding Iran and assertions of unprecedented economic strength.
More from Reuters
View all
A conversation with Pulitzer winners
Reuters journalists discuss their Pulitzer-winning investigations into Meta's harmful AI practices and Trump's campaign of governmental retribution, alongside finalist work on Southeast Asian scam centers and immigration crackdown photography, revealing the methodological innovations and human sourcing required to expose institutional abuse.
LIVE: Fernandez takes office as Costa Rican president
Laura Fernández Delgado is sworn in as President of Costa Rica for the 2026-2030 constitutional term, receiving the presidential sash from outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves in a ceremony emphasizing institutional reform and the fight against corruption.
LIVE: David Attenborough's 100th birthday celebrated in London
At a London celebration for Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday, wildlife presenter Steve Backshall and BBC host Greg James reflected on his revolutionary impact on nature broadcasting, his masterful storytelling techniques, and his unique ability to inspire audiences across all age groups.
LIVE: Ceremony commemorating the end of World War II, in Paris
Behind-the-scenes audio from Paris captures President Macron and officials preparing for France's Victory in Europe Day ceremony, featuring interactions with WWII veterans, Resistance medal recipients, and the symbolic flame relighting at the Arc de Triomphe.