Trump gets mixed reception during Presidents Cup speech
Donald Trump, the 47th president of the United States, spoke at the 2026 Presidents Cup on Sunday, Sept 27. Trump served as honorary chairman at Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Illinois, on the final day.
A spectator shouted a profane accusation at Trump, and the moment aired on live television. The Daily Beast reported that the outburst came as Trump posed with PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp and the trophy.
Trump’s Presidents Cup speech was brief
Trump kept his remarks brief at Medinah on Sept. 27, 2026. He said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp had asked him to make a short speech. Trump told the crowd the country was doing “better than ever.”
Reports before the event said Trump had requested about 15 minutes to address spectators. His actual remarks lasted less than 3 minutes. Trump said spectators had come to watch golf rather than hear speeches.
Presidents Cup crowd gave cheers and boos
Spectators chanted “USA” as Trump approached the first tee at Medinah. Trump joked that the media would report he had received a bad reception. His comment drew a reaction from the crowd.
Trump’s reception included cheers as well as some jeers. International Team players also faced boos as they were introduced for their matches. Trump later signed three hats and waved to spectators seeking his attention.
Medinah Country Club protests drew hundreds
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Medinah Country Club on Sept. 27 during Trump’s visit. Demonstrators carried signs criticizing Trump and several administration policies. His appearance also prompted heightened security around the tournament.
Protesters raised concerns about issues including immigration enforcement and other administration policies. A separate group of Trump supporters also gathered near the course. Police kept watch as the opposing groups demonstrated outside the event.
Trump greeted every Presidents Cup player
Trump stood near the first tee and greeted players from both teams before their matches. He shook hands with all 24 players during the Sunday singles session. His extended handshake with International Team golfer Adam Scott drew particular attention.
Trump arrived before the start of the 12 singles matches at Medinah. Between player introductions, he watched the action on the first tee videoboard. He also acknowledged players and spectators during the session.
Trump did not respond to the Medinah heckler
Trump stared ahead and did not respond to the heckler, according to the Daily Beast. Other spectators responded with whooping after the shout. A video clip of the moment circulated online after the event.
Moments earlier, Trump had commented on the reception he received at Medinah. He said the media would report that he had received a bad reception. Trump then told spectators that he had received a good reception.
Trump served as Presidents Cup chairman
The Presidents Cup is a men’s team golf competition between the United States and an International Team. The International Team includes players from outside the United States and Europe. The event alternates between U.S. and international venues.
Trump served as honorary chairman for the second time in 2026 after previously holding the role in 2017. Former presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush have also served as honorary chairmen. Several other U.S. presidents and international leaders have held the position.
Trump has faced hecklers at 2026 events
A woman interrupted Trump during his Sept. 16 rally in Gastonia, North Carolina, where he campaigned for Senate candidate Michael Whatley. A month earlier, protesters interrupted his Myrtle Beach rally for Senate candidate Darline Graham. Trump responded to the disruptions before continuing his remarks.
In July, protesters interrupted Trump during a visit to a General Motors facility in Michigan. One person was escorted out, while another later shouted from the crowd. A protester also disrupted Trump’s June speech at a Mack Trucks factory in Macungie, Pennsylvania.
Fun fact: Medinah Country Club’s iconic clubhouse spans 120,000 square feet and features a 60-foot rotunda with hand-painted mosaics under a magnificent domed ceiling
Trump drew cheers and boos at 2026 games
Trump was booed during Game 3 of the NBA Finals in June and again at the World Cup final in July. Both appearances came before the Presidents Cup weekend in Illinois. The reactions varied during different moments at each event.
On Sept. 26, Trump attended the Texas and Tennessee football game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. The crowd largely cheered when he appeared on the stadium video board. Some boos were also audible during his appearance.
Team USA won the 2026 Presidents Cup 17 to 13
Team USA defeated the International Team 17 to 13 at the 16th Presidents Cup. The event ran from Sept. 24 to 27, 2026, at Medinah Country Club in Illinois. The victory gave the United States its 11th consecutive Presidents Cup title.
The Americans trailed 10.5 to 7.5 entering Sunday singles. They responded by winning 9.5 of the 12 available points. It was the largest final-day comeback to win the Presidents Cup.
Jacob Bridgeman clinched the Presidents Cup
Jacob Bridgeman earned the point that secured the Presidents Cup for Team USA. He was tied with Min Woo Lee entering the final hole and won the match 1 up.
Collin Morikawa and rookie Jackson Koivun also won important singles matches during the comeback. Their victories helped the United States overturn its three-point deficit at Medinah.
International Team led before Sunday singles
The International Team led Team USA 10.5 to 7.5 entering Sunday singles at Medinah. It was the first time the Internationals held a lead on U.S. soil entering the final day. They needed 5 points to reach 15 points, while the United States needed 8 points to win the Cup outright.
The International Team built its advantage during the first 3 days at Medinah. Geoff Ogilvy captained the International Team, while Brandt Snedeker led Team USA. The Americans entered Sunday trying to overcome a 3-point deficit.
The USA’s World Cup exit sparked reactions that extended well beyond the field. President Trump faces criticism after the USA’s World Cup elimination highlights the response that followed the team’s departure.
Team USA now has 14 Presidents Cup wins
Golf Channel reported the U.S. now stands at 14 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie in the biennial Presidents Cup. The International Team owns the lone win, and the last U.S. defeat came in 1998.
The U.S. has now won 11 consecutive Presidents Cups, according to Sky Sports and the tournament website. The site also invites fans to sign up for news and ticket details about the 2028 Presidents Cup.
Trump’s appearance at the Presidents Cup drew plenty of attention beyond the action on the course. Explore why Team USA stars broke their silence on Trump’s Presidents Cup visit and what the players had to say.
What is your take on how the crowd and the tournament played out at Medinah? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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