President Donald Trump’s appearance at the US Open on September 7, 2025, ignited a significant online political firestorm. The visit, documented by various news outlets including Hindustan Times and The Daily Beast, was marred by a mixture of cheers and boos, amplified by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s social media activity, and a controversial photograph that rapidly spread online.
A Grand Slam Entrance
Trump’s attendance at the US Open men’s final at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York, marked his first appearance at the Grand Slam event in a decade. He was accompanied by a high-profile entourage, including White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, special envoy Steve Witkoff, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, and his granddaughter Arabella, according to reporting by Newsweek. This considerable security presence immediately impacted the event.
Disruptions and Crowd Reactions
The enhanced security measures necessitated by the former President’s presence led to significant disruptions. Long lines formed, and the start of the highly anticipated match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner was delayed by 30 minutes, causing frustration among fans who missed the beginning of the play. As reported by CBC News, when Trump was shown on the Jumbotron, the crowd responded with a mix of loud boos and some cheers, creating a polarized atmosphere within the stadium. Sources indicated that Trump was seen smirking during the National Anthem, a gesture that reportedly intensified the negative reaction from the crowd.
Leavitt’s Social Media Amplification
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s social media activity further fueled the controversy surrounding Trump’s visit. Her attempts to portray the President in a positive light backfired, contributing to the online furor.
“Coolest Boss Ever” Backlash
Leavitt posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption “The People’s President and the coolest boss ever. Signing hats for fans at the #USOpen.” The footage showed Trump autographing hats, including a “Make America Great Again” cap, and tossing them into the crowd. As The Independent reported, this post was widely mocked online, with critics emphasizing the audible boos that could be heard in the background of the video. The attempt to showcase Trump’s popularity inadvertently highlighted the negative reception he received.
Lip-Reading Controversy
Another moment involving Leavitt, Trump, and his granddaughter Arabella sparked online buzz. A lip reader suggested that Leavitt subtly mouthed “No” when Trump appeared to call Arabella closer. This fleeting interaction was dissected and debated across social media platforms, adding another layer of intrigue to the already contentious event. Yahoo News Canada covered the incident extensively, noting the varied interpretations of Leavitt’s alleged statement.
Health Concerns and Post-Match Reactions
Beyond the immediate reactions to Trump’s presence, the visit also resurfaced concerns about his health and sparked debate regarding his response to the match’s outcome.
The Pill Photo
A photograph taken by Andres Kudacki circulated widely online, appearing to show President Trump with a pill between his teeth. This image prompted renewed speculation and concerns about his health. Forbes noted the rapid spread of the photo and the diverse reactions it elicited, ranging from genuine worry to outright mockery.
Dismissive Reaction to Alcaraz’s Victory
Trump’s dismissive reaction to Carlos Alcaraz’s victory in the final also went viral. Many speculated that he was displeased with the outcome, with some suggesting that he had been rooting for Jannik Sinner. This perceived lack of sportsmanship further fueled the negative online commentary surrounding his visit. DRM News highlighted the incident, noting the various interpretations of Trump’s demeanor.
USTA’s Broadcasting Directive: Censorship Accusations
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) reportedly took an unusual step by issuing a directive to broadcasters, requesting them to “refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions in response to the President’s attendance in any capacity.” This request, intended to manage coverage and minimize controversy, instead sparked a debate about censorship and the intersection of politics and sports.
Media Backlash
The USTA’s directive drew criticism from various media outlets and social media users. Many argued that the request was an attempt to suppress freedom of the press and control the narrative surrounding Trump’s visit. The controversy surrounding the broadcasting guidelines further amplified the online firestorm, as reported by Newsweek, with many viewing the USTA’s actions as a form of censorship.
Conclusion
President Trump’s US Open visit on September 7, 2025, was more than just a sporting event; it became a lightning rod for political debate and social commentary. From the disruptions caused by his security detail to the online firestorm ignited by Leavitt’s social media activity and the USTA’s controversial broadcasting directive, the visit underscored the complex intersection of politics, sports, and media in the modern age, leaving a lasting impact on the online discourse and raising questions about the boundaries of free speech and media control.
