‘Seemingly Satanic’: Donald Trump Jr. on Olympics Opening Ceremony
By Jake Beardslee ·
July 27, 2024
The Paris Olympic Games' Opening Ceremony has ignited a passionate discussion about the balance between inclusivity and tradition in one of the world's most prestigious sporting events. A performance featuring drag queens in a tableau reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" has become a focal point of controversy.
Donald Trump Jr., son of former President Donald Trump, voiced his criticism of the ceremony in a post on X, describing the performance as "seemingly satanic." He expressed concern that the event, which he claims once inspired pride, now creates "at best, indifference." Megan Smith / USA TODAY NETWORK
"My mom was an Olympian (Czech Natl Ski Team), and as a kid we would be excited for weeks leading up to the games," Trump Jr. stated. "Now with the ever predictable (& seemingly satanic to me) drag queen opening ceremonies and never ending bs, no one I know even thinks about it beyond maybe watching some highlights." Andrew P. Scott-USA TODAY Sports
Trump Jr. continued his critique, saying, "Using the games to push woke ideology has zero to do with anything the games stands for." He further lamented, "Rather than highlighting the incredible accomplishments of these amazing athletes corp media subverts all their hard work to push leftist insanity… it's not only a shame, but a true disservice to some of the most talented and dedicated people on earth." Mike De Sisti/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
It's worth noting that Trump Jr.'s assertion about his mother's Olympic involvement has been previously disputed.
Ivana Trump alleged she had been an alternate for the Czechoslovakian ski team at the 1972 Winter Olympics in Grenoble. However, this claim was subsequently refuted by the Secretary General of Czechoslovakia's Olympic Committee, according to The Daily Mail. Cheryl Blackerby / USA TODAY NETWORK
The performance has elicited strong reactions from various quarters. Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker responded by quoting a biblical verse , 'Be not deceived, God is not mocked. For what things a man shall sow, those also shall he reap,' his X post stated. @buttkicker7 / X
However, supporters of the performance argue that it represents a step towards greater inclusivity and diversity in the Olympic Games, reflecting the evolving social landscape of the 21st century. Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports
Le Filip, the latest champion of "Drag Race France," shared their satisfaction with the recent ceremony, the Associated Press reported.
"I thought it would be a five-minute drag event with queer representation. I was amazed. It started with Lady Gaga, then we had drag queens, a huge rave, and a fire in the sky," Le Filip remarked. "It felt like a crowning all over again. I am proud to see my friends and queer people on the world stage." Grace Hollars-USA TODAY Sports
Trump Jr. concluded his statement: "Hopefully one day enough people will finally have had enough of the BS. Till then you can continue to watch everything good and decent and everything you hold dear get burned to the f…ing ground. The choice is yours." Jasper Colt / USA TODAY NETWORK
