Cristiano Ronaldo posts what Donald Trump says | Sports News

Cristiano Ronaldo delivered the public thanks that Donald Trump claimed Elon Musk by no means gave after the soccer star posted a polished message of gratitude — solely hours after attending the White House dinner honoring Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Musk was among the many business giants in attendance as Trump hosted bin Salman for discussions centered on investment agreements and new collaborations. So was Ronaldo, the worldwide face of Saudi soccer membership Al Hilal and one of probably the most well-known athletes on the planet.

Ronaldo was wanting to arrive in his black tuxedo and bow tie, in maintaining with the occasion’s formal gown code, and was seated for dinner during Trump’s feedback. After the occasion, he went on Instagram to thank Trump for his hospitality. The gratitude got here hours after Trump shared a story about his son Barron being thrilled to satisfy Ronaldo and stated it made him “respect his father a little bit more.”

“Thank you, Mr. President, for your invitation and for the warm welcome you and the First Lady gave me and my future wife, Georgina. Each of us has something meaningful to give, and I stand ready to do my part as we inspire new generations to build a future defined by courage, responsibility, and lasting peace.”

The White House account posted “Two GOATS” alongside a picture of Ronaldo and Trump strolling the halls collectively, which additionally earned backlash online.

During a later speech on the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum in Washington on Wednesday, Trump questioned if Musk had ever expressed gratitude to him. The president made jokes about tax deductions, EV incentives, and Tesla loans earlier than saying, “You’re so lucky I’m with you, Elon. I’ll tell you, you are. Has he ever thanked me properly?”

Musk responded shortly after on X, writing, “I would like to thank President Trump for all he has done for America and the world.” The post went viral straight away and acquired criticism from customers who known as it bootlicking, since Musk and Trump had spent over a yr attacking one another on social media and in interviews.

Musk spent months distancing himself from Trump and cited Trump’s identify within the Epstein information as a motive towards their release. Their relationship has skilled each possible part over the previous two years.

The Tesla CEO endorsed Trump in 2024 and donated about $300 million to his marketing campaign. The two linked over their shared criticism of “anti-woke” tradition and their assist for the Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE.

Musk later joined Trump’s administration alongside Vivek Ramaswamy however each left months later on account of disagreements with Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Their battle turned public by insults shared on socials with Musk calling for Trump’s impeachment and the president threatening to revoke Tesla subsidies and SpaceX contracts.

Musk accused Trump of mendacity, which led to a sharp decline in Tesla’s stock. But indicators of reconciliation appeared in September during Charlie Kirk’s memorial service. Their mending seemed to be confirmed when Musk attended the White House dinner with bin Salman, marking his first look there since resigning.