Trump’s Appearance at U.S. Open Final Met with Boos, Security Delays
President Donald Trump’s attendance at the U.S. Open men’s final on Sunday sparked a mixed reaction, with loud boos echoing through Arthur Ashe Stadium alongside some cheers. The event was also marred by significant security delays, causing frustration among attendees and leaving many seats empty at the start of the highly anticipated match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Trump made his first appearance about 45 minutes before the match, emerging briefly from his suite to a chorus of boos and cheers. The unannounced appearance was so brief that some spectators missed it entirely. He later appeared again before the National Anthem, met with more boos. As the anthem played, the president was shown on the stadium’s big screens, offering a smirk that seemed to amplify the negative reactions from the crowd.
Following the anthem, Trump gestured towards a small group of supporters before settling in to watch the match from his suite’s balcony. Throughout the game, he remained largely reserved, refraining from applause even during pivotal moments that ignited the rest of the crowd.
After the first set, Trump was once again shown on the big screen, eliciting an even louder wave of boos and whistles. In response, he raised his left fist in a salute as the noise reverberated throughout the 24,000-capacity stadium. He later retreated inside the suite, where he was observed seated at a table with family members, appearing to eat. He returned to his seat shortly before match point. Cameras briefly focused on Trump as Alcaraz celebrated his victory, but his reaction remained subdued, mirroring his demeanor throughout the majority of the match. The crowd reaction at the conclusion was also minimal.
Security Measures Cause Extensive Delays
The start of the match was delayed by half an hour to accommodate enhanced security screening, a measure reminiscent of airport security protocols. Despite this delay, thousands of fans remained stuck in long lines outside the stadium as the match commenced. Consequently, many seats, particularly those in the upper levels, remained unoccupied for nearly an hour.
The Secret Service acknowledged that the heightened security measures required to protect the former president “may have contributed to delays for attendees.” They issued a statement expressing gratitude for the fans’ “patience and understanding.”
Trump’s Attendance Raises Eyebrows
Trump’s presence at the U.S. Open as a guest of Rolex sparked controversy, given his administration’s imposition of substantial tariffs on Swiss products. The U.S. Tennis Association also attempted to mitigate potential negative reactions, requesting broadcasters to “refrain from showcasing off-court disruptions.” Despite these concerns, the reactions to Trump’s presence did not significantly disrupt the event.
A Shift in Post-Presidency Travel
Attending the U.S. Open marked another instance of Trump centering his post-presidency travel around major sporting events. This contrasts with traditional political activities like policy announcements or large rallies. Since leaving office, Trump has attended the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500, UFC fights, NCAA wrestling championships, and the FIFA Club World Cup final. While some of these appearances were met with cheers, others were met with boos.
The acceptance of Rolex’s invitation is noteworthy considering the 39% tariff imposed on Swiss products by his administration. This figure significantly exceeds the tariffs on goods from the European Union and the United Kingdom. The White House declined to comment on this apparent conflict of interest. However, during his time in office, Trump frequently blurred the lines between political decisions, foreign policy, and efforts to benefit his family’s business interests, promoting his golf properties and even announcing that the U.S. would host the Group of 20 summit at his Doral golf resort.
Crowd Reactions and Celebrity Presence
No large-scale protests against Trump were visible from the stadium. Attendees generally avoided wearing “Make America Great Again” caps. One tennis fan, originally from Italy, mentioned intentionally choosing a fuchsia-colored U.S. Open cap to avoid confusion with the signature red MAGA hats.
Accompanying Trump were figures such as White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff. Various celebrities were also in attendance, including Pink, Bruce Springsteen, and Shonda Rhimes. Pre-match interviews with celebrities like Martha Stewart and Jon Hamm focused on tennis and pop culture, avoiding political topics.
Prior to arriving at the stadium, Trump expressed excitement about his trip to reporters on Air Force One, mentioning the stadium as the plane flew overhead.
Trump was once a regular at the U.S. Open but hadn’t attended since being booed at a 2015 quarterfinals match, shortly after launching his presidential campaign. The Trump Organization formerly maintained its own U.S. Open suite but suspended it in 2017.
Born in Queens, the U.S. Open’s location, Trump was a prominent New York real estate developer and television personality for decades. Before entering politics, he typically watched night matches from his company’s suite’s balcony and was frequently featured on the stadium’s video screens.
