Trump Booed At US Open?
President Donald Trump made a headline-grabbing appearance at the U.S. Open men’s final on Sunday, sparking strong reactions from fans and creating major delays as the Secret Service implemented airport-level security checks to protect the Commander-in-Chief.
The match, featuring tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and defending champion Jannik Sinner, was pushed back nearly 30 minutes as thousands of attendees were forced to wait in long lines outside the stadium. Many upper-level seats remained empty well after play began — a rare sight for one of tennis’s biggest nights.
Trump, wearing his iconic red tie, emerged from his private suite about 45 minutes before the match. As he appeared, the crowd erupted with a mix of cheers and boos, reflecting the nation’s deeply divided politics. Some fans who were still waiting in line outside missed the dramatic moment entirely.
Trump Salutes During National Anthem
When the National Anthem played, President Trump stood tall, saluting as his image was broadcast on the massive stadium screen. The crowd’s noise swelled, but Trump smirked confidently and raised his fist in acknowledgment of a small but vocal group of supporters nearby.
The president remained focused on the game throughout the evening, rarely clapping, even as the crowd roared for incredible plays on the court. His stoic demeanor drew attention each time the cameras panned to him — particularly after the first set, when his image appeared again, sparking an even louder response.
Heavy Security Creates Chaos
The U.S. Tennis Association confirmed the match was delayed to allow for enhanced Secret Service screenings.
“Protecting the President requires a comprehensive effort,” the Secret Service said in a statement. “We sincerely thank every fan for their patience and understanding.”
Despite those efforts, fans grew frustrated as thousands remained stuck in lines well into the match. Some compared the experience to navigating airport security before boarding a flight.
This level of security, while unusual for a tennis event, underscored the historic nature of Trump’s visit to the tournament.
Trump’s Growing Presence at Major Sporting Events
Since returning to the White House in January, President Trump has made high-profile appearances at major sporting events across the country.
Recent stops include:
- Super Bowl LVIII in New Orleans
- Daytona 500
- UFC fights in Miami and New Jersey
- NCAA Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia
- FIFA Club World Cup Final in East Rutherford, NJ
At some events, Trump was met with thunderous applause, while others — like Sunday’s U.S. Open — showcased the polarized reactions to his presidency.
Rolex Invitation Amid Steep Tariffs
Trump attended the U.S. Open as a guest of Rolex, the Swiss luxury watch brand. This raised eyebrows since his administration recently imposed a 39% tariff on Swiss imports — one of the steepest tariffs on any nation.
The White House declined to comment on Trump accepting the invitation.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Tennis Association issued guidance to broadcasters to avoid focusing on off-court disruptions during the ABC national broadcast, trying to keep the spotlight on the match itself.
Celebrities in Attendance — and Silent Protests
While there were no major street protests, the crowd inside the stadium made its feelings clear. Few attendees wore Trump’s signature “Make America Great Again” hats, a stark contrast to his rallies.
A-list celebrities in attendance included:
- Pink
- Bruce Springsteen
- Martha Stewart
- Jon Hamm
- Shonda Rhimes
Many of these stars have publicly supported Vice President Kamala Harris, making Trump’s presence even more politically charged.
Trump’s Queens Homecoming
For Trump, the U.S. Open is more than just a tennis match — it’s personal.
Born and raised in Queens, the same borough that hosts the tournament, Trump was once a fixture at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Trump Organization even operated its own suite at the venue until 2017.
Sunday marked Trump’s first return since 2015, when he was famously booed months after announcing his initial presidential run. This time, Trump appeared unshaken, waving to supporters as he enjoyed the match.
Why This Matters
Trump’s surprise appearance highlighted his unique ability to dominate the spotlight, even at events that traditionally stay away from politics.
His presence also underscored how deeply divided America remains, with reactions ranging from wild cheers to loud boos — a stark reminder of what’s at stake as the 2024 election cycle heats up.
For many in the conservative movement, Trump’s willingness to face hostile crowds head-on is a sign of his strength and resilience, qualities his supporters admire.
