Trump arrives at Ryder Cup amid partisan atmosphere
Security-tight visit to Bethpage Black amid chants from supporters, with DeChambeau fist-bump and Bradley’s Trump dance as Europe leads USA early on.
President Donald Trump arrived at Bethpage Black on Friday to watch the Ryder Cup amid a partisan atmosphere, greeting players and fans as security teams tightened around the course. Air Force One flew over the golf course just outside New York at about 11:00 a.m. EDT and landed at a nearby airport. About 45 minutes later, Trump stepped onto the course, waving to crowds as supporters chanted 'U-S-A' and his name. He was accompanied by his granddaughter Kai, a keen amateur golfer who is set to play for the University of Miami in 2026. Trump told reporters, "All great golfers," and when asked if he thought the United States would win, he replied, "I think we'll be ok."
Security for the visit appeared heightened, with officials described as coordinating a cross-agency operation involving the U.S. Secret Service, the CIA and the FBI. At Bethpage Black, Trump stood behind what appeared to be protective plastic glazing at the foot of a grandstand near the first tee. He was introduced to fans over the public address system and pumped his fists in acknowledgement before saluting during the playing of The Star-Spangled Banner as military jets roared overhead. After moving away from the security zone, Trump walked to the first tee and chatted animatedly with USA team member Bryson DeChambeau before hugging American captain Keegan Bradley. DeChambeau, who has played with Trump before, had told Fox News in the lead-up that the president's presence could "inspire" the United States to victory in the 45th Ryder Cup. In the morning foursomes, DeChambeau and his partner Justin Thomas were defeated by Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, 4 and 3, leaving Europe 3-1 ahead.
Bradley, a St. John's University product who captains the U.S. team, greeted the president at the first tee with a grin and delivered what was described as the "Trump dance" — a playful shimmy that drew a loud cheer from the crowd. Trump arrived with his granddaughter Kai and acknowledged fans as they walked the fairway. DeChambeau paired with rookie Ben Griffin in the afternoon, and he fist-bumped Trump as they began their match on the green. The exchange underscored the day's electric, high-energy atmosphere as Americans looked to build momentum on home soil.
Europe enters the 2025 Ryder Cup as defending champions, after their victory in Rome in 2023, and they are trying to become the first team to win the Ryder Cup on the road since Medinah in 2012. The early results had Europe holding the advantage in the opening session, a dynamic that Trump's presence was partly designed to counteract by energizing the U.S. squad and its fans.
Security surrounding the president’s appearance at the Ryder Cup followed a precedent set by recent high-profile events, including earlier this month when the U.S. Open men’s tennis final was delayed by about 30 minutes to accommodate enhanced security for a presidential visit. The Ryder Cup’s schedule on Day 1 included a flyover before the afternoon matches, and Bradley said the president's arrival could provide a spark for the U.S. team at a pivotal moment in the competition. As play continued, DeChambeau voiced optimism about the atmosphere and the potential for an American comeback in a competition that has often been defined by momentum shifts.
