On Sunday, President Trump flew over the Medinah Country Club outside Chicago roughly an hour and a half before the Presidents Cup’s final round began. He was serving as the honorary chairman, and his arrival brought both supporters and protesters to the course.
The Americans claimed the trophy, coming from behind on Sunday. On his return to Joint Base Andrews en route to Washington, D.C., Trump addressed reporters, calling the triumph a great comeback.
The Flyover Over Medinah
Before heading to the tournament, Trump was flown into Trump’s arrival began with a flyover above the country club. He landed at Chicago O’Hare International Airport and then driven away from it. Protesters who opposed Trump and supporters who backed him both gathered outside the airport for dueling demonstrations.
Allison Galvan, executive director of Grito Latino Addison Community Center Inc., addressed the protest group. “Giving the message that Trump is not welcome here in Illinois, in Chicago, in Medinah, in Addison — all of our neighborhoods,” she said.
It was Terry Newsome who represented the supporters, and “We want to give a voice and say, ‘Not everybody in Illinois is a radical leftist,'” is what he said.
Sunday morning brought a tense moment for local officers watching over two groups, who crossed the street to the other side at one point.
Security Tightened at the First Tee
Trump remained at the first tee box throughout his time at the country club, which kept security concentrated on a single location. Anyone hoping to enter the grounds had to pass through screening that resembled TSA checks.
“I’m surprised it’s not even more heightened. I think there’s still free range, so it wasn’t that bad,” said Carolyn Friedrichs.
Trucks carrying SWAT officers were spotted on fairways near the course, and they surrounded the first tee box grandstand. A suite equipped with bulletproof glass was reportedly constructed for the president’s use, though he did not end up occupying it.
A Brief Speech at the First Tee
Trump appeared on the first tee box in front of thousands for brief remarks. “These people want to see golf, they don’t want to hear speeches,” he said. “I will only say this, our country is doing great, better than ever before.”
For well over an hour, he lingered at the course, shaking hands with each player before watching all of them tee off.
What the Fans Said
Organizers say months of planning went into arranging the event, which marked Trump’s first public Chicago appearance since the 2024 election. Many were excited to see a sitting president there.
“It’s awesome, I think the energy is very high, everyone is so excited. We want to see some good golf, but how cool that the president is here too,” Friedrichs said.
Friedrichs also described her own experience with security. “I was kind of fangirling over the Secret Service checking my bag,” she said.
The Protesters Outside
Two groups turned out on the same day to make opposite statements about Trump. One wanted him removed from office, while the other wanted to honor him. Both demonstrations drew local law enforcement, which kept watch over each crowd as it gathered.
The strain began right away. At one point Sunday morning, participants moved across the street to the opposite side, and the atmosphere became tense.
The American Victory
On Sunday, the Americans rallied to win the tournament, overcoming an early deficit. Trump praised the team’s play, calling it unbelievable golf.
“Our team played unbelievable golf. They went in with a massive deficit, and they came out with a tremendous victory, just a great comeback,” he said after landing at Joint Base Andrews.
Comparing the Two Groups
| Group | Message | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Protesters | Trump is not welcome in Illinois, Chicago, Medinah, Addison | Outside the country club |
| Supporters | Not everybody in Illinois is a radical leftist | Outside the country club |
| Police | Monitoring both groups | Throughout the grounds |
The Day Ends
The tournament ran its course, and so did the Presidents Cup closing ceremonies, with Trump seeing both through to their conclusion. He departed for Washington, D.C., later Sunday evening.
The visit was Trump’s first public Chicago appearance since the 2024 election. Organizers say it took months to plan.
See the video the story is built around at CBS News.
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