Trump celebrates America’s 250th before overseas meetings

Before leaving, Trump drew attention for his involvement in an international sports controversy.

(NBC)- President Donald Trump is departing for the NATO summit in Turkey, where he is expected to meet with European allies at a pivotal moment for the military alliance.

Before leaving, Trump drew attention for his involvement in an international sports controversy. According to a source familiar with the matter, the president spoke with the head of FIFA and asked that the suspension of U.S. men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun be reviewed.

Balogun had been set to miss the Americans’ World Cup match against Belgium after receiving a controversial red card in the previous game. FIFA later cleared him to play, prompting Trump to thank the organization on Truth Social for reversing what he called “a great injustice.”

The president’s trip follows Fourth of July celebrations in Washington, D.C., where storms forced an evacuation of the National Mall and delayed the nation’s 250th anniversary fireworks until around midnight.

During his remarks, Trump praised the nation’s history while also delivering political messages ahead of the midterm elections. He renewed his support for the SAVE Act, calling for proof of citizenship to vote and an end to mail-in ballots, despite Senate Republicans saying the legislation currently lacks enough support to pass.

The holiday celebration was also marked by controversy after members of a white supremacist group marched through the nation’s capital wearing masks and carrying Confederate flags. Videos also showed a woman surrounded by members of the group on a Washington Metro train.