President Donald Trump attended the final day of the Presidents Cup golf tournament at Medinah Country Club near Chicago on Sunday, serving as the honorary chairman. The event featured a 12-man American squad competing against a 12-man International team, with the U.S. team trailing by a 10.5–7.5 score entering the final day. Air Force One conducted a flyover of the country club prior to Trump’s arrival, and his motorcade arrived as fans gathered at the first tee box.
The U.S. team staged a comeback victory, securing the win in the biennial match-play competition. Trump, who also attended the 2017 Presidents Cup at Liberty National, remained at the first tee box for the duration of his visit, shaking hands with fans and speaking briefly with reporters. He joked about avoiding a speech, referencing the "fake news media," and posed for photographs before departing. Security measures included TSA-style screening for attendees and the presence of SWAT officers on fairways surrounding the first tee.
Protests and Counter-Protests
Outside Medinah Country Club, dueling demonstrations took place, with one group protesting Trump’s presence and another expressing support. Allison Galvan, executive director of Grito Latino Addison Community Center Inc., stated, “Giving the message that Trump is not welcome here in Illinois, in Chicago, in Medinah, in Addison — all of our neighborhoods.” Meanwhile, Terry Newsome, a counter-protester, said, “We want to give a voice and say, ‘Not everybody in Illinois is a radical leftist.’” Local police monitored the situation, and tensions briefly escalated when participants crossed the street to the opposing side.
Security and Fan Experience
Fans were notified 12 hours in advance of enhanced security measures and additional restrictions. Gates opened at 8 a.m., and attendees filled the first tee in anticipation of the American comeback. Trump was introduced by PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp and received a mix of cheers and scattered boos, though chants of “U-S-A!” drowned out dissenting voices. A small group of fans chanted “four more years” as Trump waved to the crowd before leaving the premises.
Historical Context and Trump’s Golf Appearances
Trump’s attendance marked his second appearance at the Presidents Cup as honorary chairman and his fourth visit to a golf tournament this year. His presence at major golf events has drawn significant attention, including his 2025 appearance at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage, where he similarly rallied home support. The Presidents Cup, a biennial competition between U.S. and International teams, has been held 16 times, with the U.S. team historically dominant.