Trump Attends Ryder Cup Amid US Team Struggles and Controversy

President Donald Trump attended the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, marking the first time a sitting president has attended the event. His arrival was met with enthusiastic cheers, chants of "USA," and a rendition of the national anthem, which notably coincided with his presence rather than the tournament's start, stirring mixed reactions among spectators. Despite the fanfare and extensive security measures, Team USA struggled, trailing Europe by three points during the afternoon session, leading some fans to call for Trump to join the team. Trump's presence highlighted his pattern of leveraging high-profile sports events for political and personal visibility, with his supporters praising his efforts to unite the country. However, some critics questioned the appropriateness of his involvement given his controversial political actions and the high costs incurred for his brief visit. The Ryder Cup experience under Trump thus reflected a complex interplay of patriotism, political spectacle, and sporting competition.