Trump Expected to Attend Presidents Cup Amid Local Political Tensions

President Donald Trump is expected to attend Sunday’s final round of the Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club near Chicago, where he is serving as honorary chairman. The PGA Tour has not publicly confirmed his schedule, citing security concerns, but multiple reports say his attendance has been confirmed or is anticipated. Trump previously held the role at the 2017 Presidents Cup and attended last year’s Ryder Cup, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to attend that event. His visit would be his first public trip to the Chicago area during his current term and comes amid sharp tensions with Democratic Chicago and Illinois leaders over crime, immigration and federal policies. The Presidents Cup begins Thursday and pits a 12-player U.S. team against an international team drawn from countries outside Europe, with the Americans seeking an 11th consecutive victory.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker criticized Trump’s planned visit, saying the president is “neither wanted here nor needed here” and accusing him of attacking Chicago and Illinois throughout his term.
Trump would be only the second sitting U.S. president to attend the Presidents Cup; Bill Clinton attended the 1996 event, while Joe Biden served as honorary chairman in 2022 without attending.
Medinah is hosting the Presidents Cup for the first time and is the only club to have hosted a U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup.
Trump’s appearance at last year’s Ryder Cup required TSA-style screening for fans entering the 5,000-seat first-tee stadium area, although major delays were largely avoided despite the heightened security.
The tournament’s 12-player International team includes competitors from Asia, Africa, South America and Australia, including Si Woo Kim, Adam Scott and Hideki Matsuyama, while the U.S. roster includes Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark and Xander Schauffele.
Publishers
14
Articles
38
Reach
52