Trump arrives at Ryder Cup amid intensified security as Team USA falters early

President Donald Trump and his granddaughter Kai arrived at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, on Friday morning for the Ryder Cup, drawing a raucous reception from spectators while security agencies erected heightened measures in response to fresh concerns tied to his appearance at the high-profile golf event. The visit comes less than a week after a memorial tied to a close political ally, with Trump continuing high-visibility public appearances after a 60-minute address at the United Nations. The Republican, 79, was returning to the spotlight as Team USA prepared to face the European defending champions in the early stages of the biennial competition.

Trump and Kai boarded Marine One from the White House lawn shortly before 10 a.m. ET, landing at Bethpage Black about an hour later. Inside the venue, the president stood in a glass-enclosed area near the first tee behind a wall of glass as the galleries roared. Kai waved to the crowd, amplifying the American presence as security operatives implemented a substantial containment zone. Snipers took position atop the grandstand, which had limited access and was heavily controlled for the occasion. Separate TSA-style checkpoints lined the clubhouse and first-tea areas, and federal agents, state troopers and local police deployed a broad security footprint for the day.

The Ryder Cup’s security measures were among the most visible features of the event, reflecting ongoing concerns about public safety around Trump’s appearances. The setup echoed precautions seen at other major events this year, including drones, bomb-disposal teams and specialized units tasked with chemical, biological and radiological threats. A number of items commonly permitted at golf tournaments were restricted for the opening session, including rangefinders, which had been pulled from the Ryder Cup store shelves for the day, as well as folding chairs, torch-style lighters and large vaping devices. Laptops and tablets were barred, and spectators faced heightened screening at entry points. Umbrellas could be restricted in certain areas, while ponchos were strongly encouraged amid unpredictable Long Island weather.

The morning session produced a difficult start for Team USA. Europe, led by captain Luke Donald’s squad, surged to a 3-1 lead as the Americans struggled to convert opportunities on the fairways and greens. Keegan Bradley, Team USA captain, acknowledged the contrast between the moment and the potential inspiration Trump might provide, telling USA Network that a presidential flyover by Air Force One earlier in the day could signal a shift in momentum: “We’ve just had the President fly over on Air Force One, I have a feeling things are about to turn here.” Bradley’s comment reflected a sense of renewed energy amid a challenging opening for the United States.

Security at the event extended beyond the first tee and clubhouse, with medical responders at times encountering constraints as agents tightened access. A medical staffer attempting to respond to an emergency inside the clubhouse was briefly blocked from entering by Secret Service agents, before an arrangement was made to allow him through after intervention by a Team USA official. The presence of the security perimeter underscored the heightened vigilance surrounding Trump’s attendance, as organizers aimed to balance a high-profile spectacle with rigorous protective measures.

The Ryder Cup has long been a showcase for international competition, but this year’s event carries additional political resonance given Trump’s role as a prominent national figure and the security considerations tied to his appearance. The surrounding narrative has been shaped by a broader security apparatus deployed at Bethpage, including a ring of checkpoints, search areas and technology-enabled surveillance designed to prevent disruptions similar to other high-profile gatherings earlier in the year. In this context, the Ryder Cup’s opening day became a test case for balancing a global sporting event with the maintained safety of players, officials and spectators alike.

Trump’s appearance at Bethpage comes during a week that has intersected national politics and public security. The event occurred as authorities completed a major trial connected to a plot to harm the former presidential candidate, adding to the sense that security has become a central feature of public appearances by high-profile figures in the United States. Officials at the Ryder Cup emphasized that the measures were proportionate to the event’s scale and the risk environment, aiming to ensure that the competition could proceed while maintaining safety.

As the opening ceremony and first-day matches unfolded, spectators and participants awaited a potential turning point for Team USA. The day’s security, logistics, and the political context surrounding Trump’s presence will likely continue to frame discussions about the event in the days ahead, as organizers, players and broadcasters assess how the heightened protections affected attendance, pace of play and crowd dynamics on a major international stage.