YES Network says it will not censor crowd reactions when Donald Trump attends Yankees game on 9/11
Broadcaster tells Daily Mail it has not been instructed to hide protests after USTA asked networks to refrain from showing reactions at the US Open final
YES Network said it has not been directed to censor any crowd reactions during President Donald Trump's appearance at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025.
The network's statement to the Daily Mail came ahead of Trump's planned trip to the Bronx to mark the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, which the White House said would follow a memorial event at the Pentagon. The president was scheduled to attend the New York Yankees' game against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday night.
The announcement contrasts with instructions circulated to broadcasters during last week's U.S. Open men's final. The United States Tennis Association, on the eve of the championship match, asked outlets including ESPN and Sky Sports to “refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions in response to the President's attendance in any capacity,” according to the Daily Mail. That guidance prompted debate after Trump’s arrival at Arthur Ashe Stadium drew a mixture of cheers and boos and coincided with substantial entry delays and heightened security.
At the U.S. Open final, Trump arrived as a guest of Rolex, a tournament sponsor, and his movement through the stadium with a sizable entourage — including senior White House aides and family members — was followed by visible crowd reaction. Organizers later apologized to fans who experienced delays, saying security measures were implemented by the United States Secret Service and acknowledging the frustration of those impacted.
The U.S. Open incident also prompted heightened concern among some event officials about security threats. A source described precautions that included assessments of chemical-weapon and nerve-agent risks, and tighter screening procedures that contributed to long lines and empty seats when play began.
YES Network, which holds regional broadcast rights to Yankees games, told the Daily Mail it had not received any order to suppress footage of audience responses during Thursday’s contest. The network did not elaborate on any internal policies it would apply to live crowd noise or visual reactions.
Broadcasters frequently weigh editorial decisions about what to show during high-profile public appearances, particularly when political figures attend sporting events. Sports rights holders and media organizations also coordinate with event security and venue operators on camera placements and feed restrictions, and with tournament or league partners when sponsors bring guests into broadcast sightlines.
Trump's attendance at sporting events has drawn heightened attention in recent months, with networks and rights holders navigating the intersection of live sports coverage and political coverage. The decision by YES Network not to impose a censorship directive comes as sports venues and media partners balance security protocols, sponsor obligations and editorial discretion.
Representatives for the White House and the Yankees did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The U.S. Tennis Association did not reverse the earlier guidance to broadcasters regarding the Open final but said organizers had coordinated with federal authorities on security measures for the event.
Thursday's game at Yankee Stadium is expected to proceed under the venue's standard security operations, with local and federal agencies overseeing protective measures on the anniversary of Sept. 11. YES Network's statement leaves in place the possibility that crowd reactions, including boos or cheers directed at visiting dignitaries, could appear in live coverage.