Donald Trump’s surprise appearance at the US Open men’s final in New York ignited a firestorm of reactions—none more visceral than the chorus of boos that greeted him. As a West Point cadet performed the national anthem, cameras panned to the president seated beside the winner’s trophy, his smirk betraying discomfort as the crowd’s disapproval swelled. Though a few claps punctuated the jeers, the overwhelming sentiment was unmistakable: Trump’s presence was unwelcome.
This marked Trump’s first return to the tournament since 2015, when he launched his presidential bid. Despite the backlash, he later told reporters he “loved” attending, calling the crowd “really nice” and “progressive.” But many fans weren’t buying it. Delays caused by heightened security measures left thousands stranded outside the stadium, fueling resentment. One attendee, Kevin, waited over an hour and blamed Trump directly: “Very selfish… especially in a city that hates him.”
Inside, the tension was palpable. As Carlos Alcaraz triumphed over Jannik Sinner, Trump’s reaction—or lack thereof—was caught on camera. While the crowd erupted in celebration, Trump remained stoic, not clapping, his expression frozen as others cheered. Social media lit up with commentary, some mocking his awkward demeanor, others noting the irony of his silence during a moment of national pride and athletic excellence.
The Secret Service later acknowledged the delays, thanking fans for their patience. But the damage was done. Trump’s appearance, intended as a show of presence, instead became a viral spectacle of rejection. In a city known for its bluntness, the message was clear: applause wasn’t on the menu. And for a man who thrives on attention, the sound of booing may have echoed louder than any victory speech.
