If there’s one thing that’s a sure bet at a sports event, it’s that Donald Trump won’t get a standing ovation. This past weekend was no exception. The president faced a less-than-friendly reception at the New York U.S. Open men’s final. It wasn’t the kind of welcome pop star Taylor Swift got at NFL games this year, when fans jeered her because of her now-fiancé, Travis Kelce.
But Donald Trump’s boos had nothing to do with romance. People weren’t exactly rolling out the red carpet at the match for him. His presence at the event was much anticipated, but when he appeared, the crowd had a different tune to play.
The United States Tennis Association, mindful of Donald Trump’s image, requested that TV networks refrain from broadcasting any “disruptions” or provocative reactions to him at the match. This was to prevent more bad press for the President.
Despite their efforts, the cameras couldn’t help but capture a moment during the national anthem, as a performer from West Point delivered a rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner. Initially, the crowd responded with applause, but this soon turned into a sea of jeers.
Unfazed, Trump maintained his composure, offering a smirk that was caught on camera.
This was the first time in a decade that Donald Trump attended the U.S. Open, and the welcome was much the same. In 2015, people shouted as he left when he was at a match between Serena and Venus Williams. This year, Rolex invited him, and he showed up with a group that included his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, his granddaughter, Arabella, and staff members like Pam Bondi and Karoline Leavitt.
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Before the game started, he made a gesture with his hand that looked like he had won the match himself!
But his presence was not without its issues for the spectators. The increased security measures caused long queues at the entrance, with the arena only half-full for the start of the first set, which saw Carlos Alcaraz swiftly take the lead over Jannik Sinner by 6-2.
Trump claps for himself at the #USOpen — stadium erupts in boos. Broadcasters told not to air protests. Democracy on mute.🔕 pic.twitter.com/5Zxtqhbm3b
— Carolyn Barber, MD (@cbarbermd) September 7, 2025
A person at the event took to social media to express their frustration, describing it as “a logistical disaster.” The Secret Service later acknowledged that the president’s security was a factor in the delays. The hostile reception didn’t end with the anthem!
The jeers grew louder when Donald Trump’s image reappeared on the giant screens during the match. The TV cameras had to quickly change their focus to avoid capturing the audience’s dissent. The reaction was entertaining online, with one user comparing the booing to what “a vegan at a Texas BBQ” would have to endure. Another wondered if Trump could win an award for “most booed.”
Protesters held signs outside the stadium saying, “GAME, SET, MATCH! TRUMP MUST GO!” They also gave papers to people walking by and promised no one could stop them from speaking out. An activist told The Guardian, “He should be booed everywhere he goes.”
#USDemocracy
Good job,all!
Loud boos greeted Trump at the US Open, when he arrived,then during the national anthem & again when he was shown onscreen.The USTA told broadcasters to censor & not air crowd response to him. But it was audible.https://t.co/9uyJwrUb8r
— Tommasina Says Join BlueSky 🦅💙🐈⬛ (@TommasinaResist) September 7, 2025
This was quite a difference from when people cheered for Bruce Springsteen. The U.S. Open was meant to be Donald Trump’s happy return, but instead, it showed that the people of New York wouldn’t be polite even if the TV didn’t show it clearly!
