President Trump’s Visit to the Presidents Cup in Medinah

President Trump made an appearance at the Medinah Country Club on Sunday as the honorary chairman for the final day of the Presidents Cup. His visit drew a mix of supporters and protesters to the Chicagoland area.

The president’s arrival was marked by a flyover at the country club, occurring roughly an hour and a half before the players began teeing off. “You’ll be seeing the best players, the best golfers anywhere in the world,” he remarked.

Prior to his departure to the tournament, Mr. Trump briefly addressed reporters at O’Hare Airport. Outside the tournament, groups both opposed to and in favor of the president demonstrated their views. “Giving the message that Trump is not welcome here in Illinois, in Chicago, in Medinah, in Addison – all of our neighborhoods,” voiced Allison Galvan, executive director of Grito Latino Addison Community Center Inc. In contrast, Terry Newsome stated, “We want to give a voice and say, ‘Not everybody in Illinois is a radical leftist.'”

Local law enforcement monitored the groups, which experienced some tension as protesters crossed streets to confront each other. Inside the club, President Trump focused his attention at the first tee box, ensuring security concentrated in one location. “I was kind of fangirling over the Secret Service checking my bag,” commented Carolyn Friedrichs. SWAT officers patrolled fairways and the first tee box grandstand, where fans underwent TSA-style security checks.

“I’m surprised it’s not even more heightened. I think there’s still free range, so it wasn’t that bad,” Friedrichs noted. The president appeared on the first tee box to deliver brief remarks, stating, “These people want to see golf, they don’t want to hear speeches. I will only say this, our country is doing great, better than ever before.” After speaking, he shook hands with each player and watched them tee off for over an hour. Although reports suggested a suite equipped with bulletproof glass was prepared for Mr. Trump, he opted not to use it.

“Everyone is calling Trump a king. I just thought it was funny to do it,” said Bruce Asmussen, who arrived early and dressed for the tournament’s final day. “It’s great. It was electric up there,” he remarked, reflecting the excitement felt by many at the opportunity to witness a sitting president. This visit marked Mr. Trump’s first public appearance in Chicago since the 2024 election, with organizers emphasizing the extensive planning involved.

“It’s awesome, I think the energy is very high, everyone is so excited. We want to see some good golf, but how cool that the president is here too,” Friedrichs added. Mr. Trump adjusted his plans to stay for the closing ceremonies of the Presidents Cup. Air Force One was anticipated to depart O’Hare Airport, returning to Washington, D.C., later that evening.