Trump Hijacks Chelsea’s Trophy Lift – Cole Palmer Left Baffled By Bizarre Cameo

Chelsea star Cole Palmer has broken his silence after former U.S. President Donald Trump unexpectedly inserted himself into the Blues' Club World Cup trophy celebration, leaving players visibly confused at MetLife Stadium on Sunday night.

Trump, 79, who was given the red carpet treatment alongside First Lady Melania and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, shocked fans and players alike by stepping front and center during the team’s victory ceremony following a 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain.

The plan was simple: Trump would hand the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James, then exit the stage. But the former president had other ideas. Instead of stepping aside, he awkwardly remained on stage, posing for photos and basking in the spotlight as Chelsea lifted the trophy.

Palmer, who netted twice and was later awarded the Golden Ball, was caught on camera muttering, "What's he doing?" as Trump lingered on the podium. The 23-year-old later clarified the surreal moment, admitting it took him by surprise.

“I knew he was going to be at the game, but I didn’t expect him to be up there with us when we lifted the trophy,” Palmer told BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella. “It was definitely unexpected.”

Trump had earlier presented Palmer with his Golden Ball award, during which the midfielder looked just as perplexed. Moments later, the president joined players again to hand out medals — and again refused to exit the stage, despite being asked to by Infantino.

Trump’s dramatic appearance came exactly one year after surviving an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, leading to tight security at MetLife Stadium. The former president was shown on the big screen during the national anthem and reportedly received mixed reactions from the crowd of 80,000 — cheers when he arrived, and loud boos when he walked onto the pitch.

Adding to the spectacle, Trump’s son, Donald Jr., and his girlfriend Bettina Anderson were spotted arriving for the match, sharing a kiss on the runway while waiting for the president’s motorcade.

Security experts were left concerned by the president’s unscripted cameo. Nigel Thomas, a former SAS soldier and founder of Blue Mountain Group, explained to The Athletic how the impromptu stunt could pose serious risks.

“You have to prepare for every possible scenario — from a stage collapse to a crowd surge. Situations like this require clear communication between presidential security, stadium staff, and emergency services,” Thomas said.

Despite all protocol and planning, Trump seemed unfazed as he soaked up the moment, turning Chelsea’s trophy lift into an unexpected political spectacle.

For Chelsea, it was a night of dominance on the field. For Trump, it was yet another headline — this time in the heart of football glory.