We have been hearing a ton about Freddy from Germany getting a world-class tour of the U.S. and all the wonderful blessings of liberty. It has been instructive to get these European de Tocqueville-esque insights on just how fortunate we are to live in this nation and be an engaged participant in what makes this country great.
Other European World Cuppers have been bouncing around the country, reveling in the spotlight and attention, and receiving invitations from everyone from country stars to cable news hosts to governors!
Like Scotland native Shaun, who I spotlighted a few weeks ago in my Feel-Good Friday column (linked below). After Shaun left his mark on Boston for Scotland's World Cup matches against Haiti and Morocco, he and the Tartan Army headed to Miami for Scotland's match against Brazil.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has been following Shaun's World Cup exploits, and he extended an invitation to him to break a Cubano sandwich and watch the game together. Shaun jumped at the invitation and met up with the Gov. Like any good governor promoting his state, DeSantis posted about it.
With @shaunvlog_ in Miami Beach before the match between Scotland and Brazil.
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) June 24, 2026
Diners, Drive-ins and DeSantis episode incoming…
Glad to see the @TartanArmyGroup enjoying the Free State of Florida! pic.twitter.com/OAszwZcBLE
While many of the responses were positive and congratulatory, as is typical of the Left, some had already downed a gallon of Haterade, and they felt the need to regurgitate.
@shaunvlog_ this is truly disappointing. I’ve been following you for years, and this man is the epitome of everything you’re against.
— Lissette 🦋 craftyfeminist.bsky.social (@CraftyFeminist) June 24, 2026
Shaun not only quote-posted DeSantis' post, but without any intention of doing so, he gave a lesson on what civil discourse looks like.
I came to America to be curious, open-minded and also to be a good public ambassador for my country. When Governor Ron DeSantis asked me to go eat some local food and watch Scotland v Brazil in Miami, it was a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to do exactly that. I was extremely… https://t.co/LlOWly6JFK
— Shaun 🏴🇺🇸 (@shaunvlog_) June 25, 2026
I came to America to be curious, open-minded and also to be a good public ambassador for my country. When Governor Ron DeSantis asked me to go eat some local food and watch Scotland v Brazil in Miami, it was a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to do exactly that. I was extremely nervous, and found Ron and his team to be extremely personable and kind. Thank you Governor @RonDeSantis for speaking with me on a range of topics, teaching me about Florida, and showing me incredible American hospitality.
And this is absolutely not a political statement from me. I come here with an open heart and am extremely grateful to everyone who I have had the privilege of speaking to while on this trip.
This explains much: Shaun's unbridled joy, childlike curiosity, and gratitude are born of his desire to be an ambassador of goodwill who represents Scotland well. He also strikes me as someone who is the life of the party no matter what the situation, and those kinds of people always make the world a better place.
Shaun's key point that it's not about politics, but being open to new experiences and different viewpoints, is enlightening. How many people on the Left or the Right would be better off if this were the lens from which they viewed every interaction?
Once again, a majority of the comments on this illuminating post were congratulatory, positive, and some even expressed envy that Shaun got to hang out with the governor of the free state of Florida.
I am a lifelong Dem voter, I wholeheartedly support this post! No need to caveat or apologize! You are very welcome here in the USA, and we are thrilled that you are having such an amazing experience, including meeting elected leaders. 🇺🇸🤝🏴
— Blarghblargh99 (@blarghblargh99) June 25, 2026
But there are always those who can see nothing but politics and partisanship, and who have to make it about Trump, even when he was nowhere near the chat.
Shaun, I say this with love and respect for you and Scotland. Posting a pic of you and DeSantis is a deeply political statement. This is a man who has gone out of his way to bully trans people for existing, and who proudly caged immigrants in subhuman conditions to appease Trump
— Bald Bernie Sanders (@BaldBernieSndrs) June 25, 2026
World Cup Freddy Hits 'Peak America' - Even Makes It to Amish Country
This genius decided he needed to mansplain to Shaun that he was just being used as a dupe for the governor's public relations.
I know Shaun means no harm in doing this. I’m not holding it against him. It’s just a bit frustrating that people like him who mean no harm and are being, as he said, open minded, get unfortunately dragged into nakedly obvious PR stunts by the worst of our politicians. https://t.co/kZlCfADwGi
— RA (@RApollos) June 25, 2026
I love the way Shaun set this RApollos character straight.
I understand - but meeting senior elected officials of any kind is an honor and an opportunity to share ideas. I would happily meet anyone from the Democrats, but none have interacted at all. I obviously don’t hold that against them, but I hope you can understand these are not…
— Shaun 🏴🇺🇸 (@shaunvlog_) June 25, 2026
I understand - but meeting senior elected officials of any kind is an honor and an opportunity to share ideas. I would happily meet anyone from the Democrats, but none have interacted at all. I obviously don’t hold that against them, but I hope you can understand these are not invitations I can turn down
Now that's an interesting plot twist: Not one Democrat official has reached out to Shaun as he has toured their communities, cities, and states. Are they not interested in expanding Shaun's knowledge and heightening his appreciation? Apparently not. Shaun spent plenty of time in Boston, yet Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) nor Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (D) reached out.
Their loss.
Some of these detractors on the X post wouldn't get invited to a neighborhood barbeque, let alone meet a governor, and the reasons why show in their narrow attitudes and ignorant responses. This DEI-brain trust attempted to tell Shaun that he was "mistaken." That if Shaun wasn't a foreigner, and <*gasp*> white, DeSantis wouldn't have given him the time of day.
Shaun smartly employed the Socratic method to knock down that strawman.
By your assertion, is it also then because I’m white and Scottish that dems haven’t reached out? I don’t actually believe that, but I’m not sure why we need to make such silly points
— Shaun 🏴🇺🇸 (@shaunvlog_) June 25, 2026
Boom. Shaun is not here to change hearts and minds; he's here to have a good time in a country that has welcomed him with open arms. We are more than thrilled that he has been able to do just that, while showing us the privilege of being American and taking advantage of opportunities that we too often dismiss.
Editor's Note: President Trump is leading America into the "Golden Age" as Democrats try desperately to stop it.
Help us continue to report on President Trump's successes. Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member