Trump's joke on Cristiano Ronaldo falls flat
Washington, June 28 : US President Donald Trump cracked a joke about Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo running for president against incumbent Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who responded by saying that Portugal "is nothing like the US".
What started off as a casual conversation on Wednesday about the World Cup between Trump and Rebelo de Sousa, who is on an official visit in Washington, revealed the stark contrast between their political cultures, Efe news reported.
In his first bilateral meeting with Trump, Rebelo de Sousa bantered that when Trump would talk World Cup in his upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, he should not forget to mention that "Portugal is still there and hopes to win..."
"Don't forget that Portugal has the best player in the world who is called Cristiano Ronaldo," Rebelo de Sousa told Trump in the White House.
Trump recognised that Portugal indeed was "doing very well" and asked his counterpart "how good a player" Ronaldo was.
When Rebelo de Sousa said Ronaldo was "the best player in the world", Trump asked "so will Cristiano ever run for President against you?"
As his Portuguese counterpart pondered on a response, Trump assured him that "Cristiano wouldn't win, you know he won't".
At this Rebelo de Sousa turned and said "President, you know -- you know something -- I must tell you, Portugal is not like the US. It's a little different."
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Udupi: Inaugural edition of Tulunad Conclave 2025 to be held on April 13
Udupi (Katpadi): The inaugural edition of Tulunad Conclave – 2025, organized by the Tulu Cultural Research Foundation, is all set to take place on April 13 at the Saptapadi Auditorium, Vishwanatha Kshetra, Katpadi.
The one-day conclave, running from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, is a landmark effort to preserve and promote the rich legacy of the Tulu language, literature, and cultural heritage among future generations.
Scholars, cultural enthusiasts, and language activists from across the Tulu-speaking belt—from Kasaragod to Udupi—will gather for in-depth discussions on various aspects of Tulu identity, including its folklore, literary tradition, and the long-standing campaign for official recognition of Tulu.
The foundation, which has been at the forefront of promoting the Tulu script, will also unveil several new books written in Tulu script during the event. This follows the successful publication of six Tulu-script books by the foundation in the previous year.
A major highlight of the conclave will be the official launch of Mallige, a Unicode-compatible ASCII Tulu font developed by Prahlad P. Tantri, along with a dedicated Tulu Unicode keyboard layout.
In an effort to unify efforts for Tulu’s constitutional recognition, a high-profile panel discussion will bring together political leaders, cultural figures, and language advocates. The panel will deliberate on strategic approaches to strengthen the Tulu identity at political, institutional, and grassroots levels.
The cultural richness of Tulunad will also be on vibrant display. From 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, the audience will be treated to traditional Tulu cultural performances, including a much-anticipated act by the acclaimed Kemmanu Sisters.
A special segment titled Tulunadu Javanere Samavesha (Youth Conclave of Tulunad), presided over by Mahi Mulki, President of the Tulu Cultural Research Foundation, will focus on engaging the younger generation in the Tulu movement.
A Tulu book fair will run throughout the day, and the foundation will also honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Tulu language and culture with its prestigious Sadhana Puraskara.
Adding to the significance of the day, the official website of the Tulu Cultural Research Foundation will be launched, providing a digital platform to support its ongoing initiatives.
