Donald Trump Attends Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black Amid Political Uncertainty

A Grand Entrance at Bethpage Black

Former President Donald Trump made a-grabbing appearance at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York on Friday, arriving with his granddaughter Kai as thousands of fans stood packed along the ropes of the golf course. Chants of “USA! USA!” thundered across the grandstands as Trump escorted American golfer Bryson DeChambeau toward the tee box, creating an electrifying moment in front of the international audience.

The Ryder Cup, one of the world’s most prestigious golf tournaments, pits the finest players from the United States against their counterparts from Europe. This year’s event, hosted at the notoriously difficult Bethpage Black course on Long Island, opened with high drama on and off the course.

Trump's arrival provided an unmistakable jolt of energy for the home crowd, already eager to see an American comeback after a tough opening day. But while his presence drew loud support from fans, it also came against a backdrop of growing political tension in Washington, just days before a looming government shutdown deadline.

Europe Dominates Early Play

On the leaderboard, the first day belonged to Team Europe. After a series of tightly contested matches, Europe secured an 8.5–3.5 lead, setting the stage for a challenging uphill battle for the Americans.

Spain’s Jon Rahm delivered a standout performance, playing with surgical precision and keeping the crowd hushed through lengthy putts and commanding drives. England’s Justin Rose also played an instrumental role in building Europe’s momentum, drawing praise even from American spectators for his composure under pressure.

For Team USA, Bryson DeChambeau shouldered much of the spotlight—not only for his connection to Trump’s appearance at the course, but also for his aggressively strategic approach to Bethpage Black’s penal rough and long par-fours. Despite a few flashes of brilliance, momentum slipped away from the U.S. in crucial matches.

The day’s results echoed historical trends. Since the Ryder Cup was expanded to include continental Europe in 1979, the European side has gained a consistent edge, often overwhelming the U.S. despite Golf’s roots being entrenched in American sporting culture. Europe’s commanding early lead at Bethpage sets up a test of resilience for Team USA if they hope to reclaim the Cup on home soil.

Bethpage Black: A Historic Stage

Bethpage Black is renowned as one of the most challenging public courses in the world, celebrated for its sheer difficulty and the famous warning sign near its first tee that cautions only highly skilled golfers to attempt it. The site has hosted multiple major championships, including the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009, as well as the 2019 PGA Championship.

The Ryder Cup’s arrival in New York brings a distinctive atmosphere. Loud, passionate New York crowds are known for their boisterous energy, contrasting sharply with the more buttoned-down galleries of tournaments in Europe. Friday’s atmosphere proved no different, with spectators reacting to every shot, every swing, and every surprise—none more so than Trump’s appearance alongside DeChambeau.

Political Undertones Linger in the Background

The former president’s attendance comes at a politically sensitive moment. With a government shutdown deadline looming just four days away, Congressional leaders remain deadlocked over spending and efforts to pass a continuing resolution. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries quickly expressed sharp criticism of Trump’s appearance at the golf tournament, calling it “outrageous” while federal workers and military personnel face uncertainty about paychecks and operations.

While Trump has long been associated with golf—owning multiple courses and hosting tournaments during and after his time in office—critics argue that his participation in high-profile sporting events during political crises underscores a disconnect from the urgent negotiations underway in Washington. Supporters, however, viewed his public cheerleading role at the Ryder Cup as a continuation of his charismatic presence and populist appeal, particularly in New York, where his roots run deep.

The Ryder Cup’s Broader Impact

Beyond the political noise, the Ryder Cup carries enormous cultural and economic significance. Hosting the prestigious event in New York is expected to inject tens of millions of dollars into the local economy, with hotels, restaurants, and small businesses along Long Island reaping the benefits of thousands of overseas visitors.

The New York tourism industry has long embraced major sporting spectacles as a showcase for the region. Comparable to New York City’s U.S. Open tennis tournament or the New York City Marathon, the Ryder Cup draws international eyes to Long Island in ways that extend beyond the golf course. The sense of local pride is palpable, and officials see it as an opportunity to cement New York’s reputation as a world-class hub for global sporting events.

Historical Rivalry Between USA and Europe

The Ryder Cup’s significance extends well beyond the venue. Since its inception in 1927, the tournament has represented one of the fiercest rivalries in international sports. Originally a contest between the U.S. and Great Britain, it expanded to include continental Europe in 1979—a decision that dramatically reshaped the competition’s balance of power.

While the U.S. dominated early decades, Europe has consistently outperformed expectations in modern times, winning nine of the last 13 Ryder Cups leading into 2025. Their strength comes not only from top-ranked players like Rahm, Rory McIlroy, and Viktor Hovland, but also from the camaraderie and cohesion that often seem stronger on the European side. Team USA, despite its deep bench of stars, has sometimes struggled with chemistry and consistency in the face of intense pressure.

Fan Reactions on the Ground

Crowds at Bethpage responded passionately throughout the opening day. While many donned American flags and chanted loudly in support of their home team, visiting European fans also made their presence felt, singing songs and waving flags with unrelenting enthusiasm.

Trump’s appearance amplified the excitement. Supporters broke into chants that echoed across the course, while others raised their phones to capture one of the most dramatic entrances of the day. The scene underscored the Ryder Cup’s reputation not only as a sporting competition but as a cultural spectacle where sport, celebrity, and patriotism intertwine.

Looking Ahead to the Weekend

With Europe holding an imposing 8.5–3.5 lead after the opening day, Team USA faces a daunting challenge if they hope to keep the Ryder Cup on American soil. Saturday’s matches will prove pivotal, as the Americans must secure momentum before singles play on Sunday.

For Trump, the weekend may bring additional appearances, though attention is certain to remain focused on both the high-stakes matches at Bethpage and the looming political impasse in Washington.

Whether viewed through the lens of sport or politics, the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events of 2025. With roaring crowds, a historic venue, and global stars battling for glory, the tournament reflects not only the intensity of international golf but also the complex intersections of sports, culture, and national identity.