Donald Trump’s tongue-in-cheek jab at England’s Harry Kane—claiming he’s been turned into “a defensive player”—speaks volumes, not just about the state of soccer but about the narrative control that mainstream media, like CNN and MSNBC, love to wield. While Trump makes a light-hearted comment, these outlets are itching to dissect it with the same heavy-handed scrutiny they apply to everything he says. Instead of recognizing a simple, humorous remark, they’ll clamor to spin it into a faux controversy, painting Trump as a jingoistic buffoon who dares to mock a beloved sports figure.

Fox News, on the other hand, might embrace Trump’s comment, serving it up as a bold critique of English soccer’s tactics. However, don’t be fooled. They’ll do it while subtly steering the narrative to appeal to their base, completely ignoring the idea that sports—and politics—should have a sense of humor. Instead of engaging in genuine discourse about the absurdities of sports culture, they’ll lock horns with their rivals, playing the partisan game that keeps their viewers hooked.

In reality, Trump’s comment reflects a broader critique on how sports can mirror political agendas. But where’s the media focus on that angle? It’s buried under clickbait headlines designed to stir outrage rather than provoke thought. If only these networks could ditch their tribalism for a hot second and allow a little levity into their coverage. Alas, that’s too much to ask in our increasingly polarized landscape, where a joke is nothing more than ammunition for the next round of outrage. It’s the same circus, just with different clowns.