Over the weekend, filled with unauthorized killings and declarations of war on American citizens, President Donald Trump encountered a polarized reception at the U.S. Open. The event organizers had anticipated the mixed feelings and reportedly asked broadcasters to mute crowd reactions when President Trump was shown on screen. His presence sparked protests outside and resulted in a 30-minute delay of the tennis match between Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Italy’s Jannik Sinner, due to heightened security measures. After Trump arrived at the Rolex Suite in Arthur Ashe Stadium, located in his native Queens, New York, he was greeted by boos from those present—though the stadium was only about 10% full. During the National Anthem, the atmosphere briefly warmed as the crowd cheered Sgt. Maj. Carla Loy’s performance of “The Star Spangled Banner,” but shifted back to boos when Trump saluted the flag and appeared on the Jumbotron. This clearly displayed the crowd’s feelings when, upon his face being shown during the match, the boos were unmistakable.

The clear audible reactions from the audience indicated that the U.S. Open organizers’ efforts to censor the crowd were unsuccessful. Ben Rothenberg, a tennis journalist, reported yesterday that the U.S. Tennis Association had requested broadcasters to “avoid showing any disruptions or reactions related to the President’s presence in any capacity.” Despite attempts by the U.S. Tennis Association to shape public perception of a president who had allegedly enabled anonymous militants to abduct people from the streets and supposedly committed acts that could be considered war crimes via the unauthorized killings of Venezuelans in a boat, the broadcasters let the American public voice their opinions on a president known for his hardline stance on immigration. Trump’s last visit to the U.S. Open was in 2015, where he also faced booing.

Ooh, #USOpen just showed Trump on screen again during this set break and there was loud, clear booing this time.

[image or embed]

— Ben Rothenberg (@benrothenberg.bsky.social) September 7, 2025 at 12:33 PM