Former USMNT star and Fox Sports soccer analyst Alexi Lalas splits fans as he attends Republican Convention in Milwaukee and voices support for GOP and Trump's running mate JD Vance
- READ MORE: Carli Lloyd rips into Gregg Berhalter after USMNT's Copa defeat
- READ MORE: Fox Sports' Alexi Lalas rips USMNT as 'not good enough'
The Republican National Convention in Milwaukee has welcomed one of the country's most divisive non-political figures this week.
Fox Sports soccer analyst and former US Men's National Team defender Alexi Lalas has arrived in the Badger State, where he's already been pictured on stage at the RNC and at one of Donald Trump Jr.'s speaking engagements.
Lalas, 54, is coming off a busy few weeks covering Copa America, which included the Americans' disappointing departure in the group stage.
Now, though, the conservative soccer pundit is publicizing his trip to the RNC on his own social media pages, where he's supporting Trump's newly named running mate, JD Vance, among other decisions by the Grand Old Party.
'Smart man, smart pick,' Lalas wrote on X of Vance, a former Trump critic. 'I think him justifying his past criticisms of Trump as an example and admittance about how we can be proven wrong about someone and ultimately judging them by their actions is smart. I don't think he's alone in that sense.'
Alexi Lalas is seen alongside a 'TRUMP 2024' sign in Milwaukee during the ongoing RNC
Alexi Lalas speaks during the second day of the Republican National Convention in Wisconsin
It's unclear if Lalas will be taking part in any official happenings at the RNC. When asked online if he was going to speak, the former New England Revolution star said he was 'mostly going to listen.'
The lanky redhead also enjoyed Teamsters President Sean O'Brien's speech at the RNC, where the union leader stopped short of endorsing Trump while urging politicians to move away from partisanship.
'Thought Teamsters President addressing GOP Convention for 1st time was interesting dynamic,' Lalas wrote on X. 'He crushed both parties re big biz. 2-box of Trump listening (reacting) was great theater, but also smartly showed Trump/GOP willingness to not just have convention be complete love-fest.'
A frequent target of American soccer fans, Lalas' presence at the RNC made him popular among conservatives online.
'Ok I like you now,' wrote on supporter online.
Others were displeased to see a prominent figure in American soccer supporting the GOP.
'Honest to god I didn't think I could hate you anymore than I already did,' one critic reacted on X.
'Now the Republicans won't get out of the group stage because you're there,' another joked.
'Lmao you've been insufferable for years,' a critic responded. 'This just confirms it.'
After supporting Ron DeSantis' presidential run, Lalas is now all in on Trump and JD Vance
While Lalas and Lloyd faced criticism for their Copa America coverage, some were supportive
Lalas previously endorsed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' failed presidential campaign.
He and his Fox Sports co-host Carli Lloyd were the subject of intense criticism for their Copa America coverage by popular soccer podcast, Men In Blazers.
'Warning: You are down to your last 15 minutes of this Summer of Soccer,' read a tweet from the Men In Blazers account during the Copa America final on Sunday. 'Brace yourself. Lalas will not be on your television tomorrow. Don't cry because it happened, smile because it's over.'
Lalas responded by taking the high road with his critics.
'I enjoy and respect the @MenInBlazers unique wit, humor, and perspective. I'm sorry you don't care for me but I still raise a toast and salute you @rogbennett and wish you well going forward,' Lalas wrote.
