There has been plenty of buzz around Freddy from Germany and his first-rate journey across the United States, where he has been soaking up what many would call the everyday gifts of American freedom. His outsider’s perspective has offered a revealing, almost de Tocqueville-style reminder of how lucky Americans are to live here and take part in the civic energy that helps define the country.
He is not the only European World Cup fan making the rounds. Several others have been crisscrossing the U.S., enjoying the attention, embracing the moment, and drawing invitations from an eclectic mix of admirers — from country music performers and cable news personalities to sitting governors.
That includes Shaun, the Scotland native I featured a few weeks back in my Feel-Good Friday column, linked below. After making a memorable impression in Boston during Scotland’s World Cup fixtures against Haiti and Morocco, Shaun and the Tartan Army continued south to Miami for Scotland’s showdown with Brazil.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) had apparently been keeping up with Shaun’s World Cup adventures and invited him to share a Cubano sandwich and watch the match together. Shaun gladly accepted and met with the governor. And, in true state-promoter fashion, DeSantis made sure to share the moment online.
Met up with @shaunvlog_ in Miami Beach ahead of Scotland’s match against Brazil.
Sounds like a future episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and DeSantis” may be on the way…
Glad to see the @TartanArmyGroup enjoying the Free State of Florida! pic.twitter.com/OAszwZcBLE
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) June 24, 2026
Although many replies were upbeat and supportive, some critics — predictably from the Left — had already taken a deep drink from the well of bitterness and were eager to spit it back out.
@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.
ALSO READ: Democrat’s Tangled Love Life Exposed: Fake Wedding Photos Spark New Questions
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 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.
