Trump’s US Open Appearance Draws Controversy as Tennis Officials Attempt to Manage Coverage

Mixed Reception at Arthur Ashe Stadium

Tennis fans showed their mixed feelings about President Donald Trump’s attendance at the U.S. Open, as he was greeted with boos when stepping out from the Rolex suite at Arthur Ashe stadium in New York’s Flushing Meadows.

The negative reaction continued throughout the event, with boos being audible during the national anthem on the national telecast. The crowd expressed their disapproval again when the president was shown on an arena screen during a set break.

Unprecedented Broadcasting Directive

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) took the unusual step of requesting broadcasters to avoid showing any disruptions or reactions to the President’s attendance. Despite this directive, ESPN indicated they would focus on tennis coverage while not completely ignoring Trump’s presence.

Impact on Tournament Operations

The president’s attendance, along with his inner circle, caused significant logistical challenges, forcing organizers to delay the highly anticipated men’s finals match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. The start time was pushed to 2:30 pm ET due to enhanced security measures.

Historical Context

This marks the second time Trump has faced such a reaction at the US Open. During his previous attendance in 2015, when he was a presidential candidate, the crowd also responded with loud boos. Since the start of his second term in January, Trump has attended several major sporting events. At the FIFA Club World Cup final in July, he received a similar mixed reception of cheers and boos.

Celebrity Attendance and Notable Figures

The president was accompanied by an entourage including White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. The event also attracted numerous celebrities, including Pink, Bruce Springsteen, Shonda Rhimes, and Michael J.