Trump Arrives via Air Force One, Speaks Briefly at Medinah

President Donald Trump arrived at Medinah Country Club by Air Force One on Sunday, delivering brief remarks at the first tee before the U.S. team began its bid to erase a three-point deficit at the 2026 Presidents Cup.

What happened when Trump arrived?

Air Force One did a flyover of the Chicago area Sunday morning before landing, and Trump's motorcade then made its way to Medinah. Speaking to reporters after landing, he said fans would see some of the best golfers in the world that day. Gates at Medinah had opened at 8 a.m., with fans quickly filling the first tee in anticipation of a U.S. comeback.

What did Trump say at the first tee?

After being introduced by PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp, Trump spoke for roughly 60 seconds, well short of the 15-minute speaking slot he had reportedly requested a day earlier. He joked that he lacked the nerve for a longer address, took a jab at what he characterized as unfair media coverage of his expected reception, and said the U.S. team was performing well heading into the final day.

"These people want to see golf, they don't want to hear speeches," Trump said.

He closed by saying he was looking forward to a competitive day of golf, then posed for photos.

How was he received by the crowd?

Trump drew loud cheers mixed with some scattered boos, both largely drowned out by chants of U-S-A. A few fans in the stands chanted for another term as he smiled and waved before shaking hands with each U.S. player ahead of their opening tee shots and departing the first tee.

Trump was named honorary chairman of the Presidents Cup a month before the event, continuing a tradition for the role. The Internationals sent Ryo Hisatsune out first in Sunday's singles, followed by Tom Kim, while the U.S. countered with Cameron Young, Wyndham Clark and Justin Thomas in its first three matches before Scottie Scheffler's match against Nico Echavarria.