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From Donald Trump to Italy's deputy PM Matteo Salvini: Reactions from leaders towards Paris Olympics opening ceremony
The Paris Olympics is up and running, with Japan currently leading the medal table with six golds to their name, followed by hosts France, who have five, as do the likes of China, Australia and South Korea. The United States have more medals than any other nation so far, but with three golds, they are currently sixth in the table.
The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics took place on the Seine River, making it the first instance that this happened outside a stadium. Directed by Thomas Jolly, the ceremony several performers putting on quite a show. One of the performances featured a few drag queens seated in a manner that resembled Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting " The Last Supper". This gained a lot of notoriety, with many calling it an insult to Christianity.
Many reacted to the opening ceremony at the Paris Olympics, including a few world leaders like Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron. On that note, let's take a look at the reactions from some world leaders towards the event that took place on the Seine River.
#5. Donald Trump
Former US President Donald Trump was far from pleased with the opening ceremony, calling it a disgrace.
"I thought that the opening ceremony was a disgrace, actually," Trump told Fox News' program "The Ingraham Angle". "I thought it was a disgrace."
The Americans have won three golds so far at the Paris Olympics (at the time of writing), two of them coming in swimming courtesy of the men's 4x100m relay team and Torri Huske, who won the 100m butterfly event. The pair of Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook gave the United States its first medal in the quadrennial event, as they clinched silver in the women's synchronized 3m springboard event.
Fencer Lee Kiefer is another gold medalist from the nation so far in Paris while Katie Ledecky clinched bronze in the 400m freestyle event.
#4. Olaf Scholz
Germany's chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke about the Paris Olympics opening ceremony in a more positive tone, calling it unique while giving his best wishes to the country's contingent.
"The greatest team that has ever represented our country at the Olympic Games – with a great flag-bearer duo right in the middle. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for all of you. It's great that this festival of sport is now starting with this unique opening ceremony," Scholz wrote on X (translated from German).
Germany have won two bronze medals so far in Paris 2024, thanks to equestrian Michael Jung and swimmer Lukas Maertens in the men's 400m freestyle event.
#3. Justin Trudeau
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not speak much about the opening ceremony but lavished praise on the country's singer Celine Dion, who sang there.
"A performance we’ll never forget. Thank you, Céline. #Paris2024," Trudeau wrote on X.
Canada have won two golds so far at the Paris Olympics, with swimmer Summer McIntosh winning the 400m individual medley event, adding to her silver in 400m freestyle. Judoka Christa Deguchi clinched gold in the women's -57kg event.
#2.Matteo Salvini
Italy's deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini was very critical of the drag queen performance at the opening ceremony for Paris 2024. The 51-year-old said that the performance was an insult to billions of Christians worldwide.
"Opening the Olympics by insulting billions of Christians around the world was a really bad start, dear French. Seedy," Salvini wrote on X (translated from Italian).
Both of Italy's golds so far at the Paris Olympics have come in swimming, with Thomas Ceccon winning the 100m backstroke while Nicolo Martinenghi triumphed in 100m breastroke.
#1. Emmanuel Macron
France President Thomas Jolly heaped praise on the opening ceremony's director Thomas Jolly while also lauding the performers and everyone involved with the program's organizing.
"Thanks to Thomas Jolly and his creative genius for this grandiose ceremony. Thank you to the artists for this unique and magical moment. Thank you to the police and emergency services, agents and volunteers. Thank you to everyone who believed in it. We'll talk about it again in 100 years! WE DID IT," Macron wrote on X.
France have had an impressive Olympics so far, winning five golds. The men's rugby team won their tournament, as did Leon Marchand in the men's 400m individual medley. Other gold medalists include Nicolas Gestin, Pauline Ferrand Prevot and Manon Apithy-Brunet.
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