President Donald Trump made a brief visit to the Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club on Sunday, taking time to watch players tee off for over an hour. His appearance drew the attention of thousands of spectators, many dressed in patriotic attire, despite protests occurring out of view.
“These people want to see golf. They don’t want to hear speeches,” Trump remarked prior to the final round. He asserted, “Our country is doing great, better than ever before.”
This marked Trump’s first public appearance in the Chicago area following his victory in the 2024 presidential election. It coincided with the anniversary of his administration’s intensified immigration enforcement efforts in Chicago, termed Operation Midway Blitz.
Trump’s speech began with a critique of the media, predicting coverage of his reception would be negative. He also highlighted the presence of top golfers, forecasting an exciting day of competition.
Staying to watch several players, Trump greeted some as they arrived on the course. The International team had performed strongly on Saturday and needed to win just five of Sunday’s twelve singles matches to secure the cup.
Trump’s focus had been international earlier in the week, hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington and addressing the United Nations General Assembly with potential military action against Iran.
Over the weekend, Trump enjoyed recreational pursuits, attending a college football game in Tennessee before traveling to Chicago on Sunday morning. The Daily Herald reported over 30,000 spectators were expected daily during the tournament Thursday through Sunday.
Trump has previously expressed disdain for Chicago, notably via social media with threats and criticism. Last year, he posted a meme titled “Chipocalypse Now” and commented on the Department of WAR’s actions in Chicago.
On Sunday, as fog lifted, Trump received cheers from the grandstands at the first tee. Spectators wore “Make America Great Again” hats alongside flag-themed clothing.
Despite Trump’s reception, some attendees were less enthusiastic about his presence. Protestors and supporters rallied at the Medinah Country Club during the event.
Alex August, a 26-year-old spectator, shared feelings of unease over Trump’s visit, planning contingencies with friends upon hearing the news. Evan Neilson, a social studies teacher, noted Trump’s presence distracted from the event’s focus, highlighting the country’s cultural and political divisions.
Trump was named honorary chairman of the tournament, as he had been in 2017 at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey. Previous honorary chairmen included President Joe Biden in 2022 and Barack Obama in 2013 and 2009.
The Medinah course, located in an unincorporated area, saw significant preparations for the event. Since April, 566,000 square feet of temporary structures were erected around the No. 3 Course, supplementing the club’s limited permanent facilities, the Daily Herald reported.
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