Full Breakdown
Trump Attends Presidents Cup as Honorary Chairman Amid Tight Security and Protests
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Presidential Appearance at the Medinah Presidents Cup
On September 27, 2026, President Donald Trump arrived at Medinah Country Club in the Chicago suburbs to serve as honorary chairman for the final day of the 2026 Presidents Cup. Trump remained at the first-tee grandstand for the opening matches, greeted each U.S. player, and stayed through the closing ceremony.
Background & Context
The Presidents Cup traditionally invites the host nation’s head of state to act as honorary chairman. Former presidents Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden have all fulfilled the role. Trump first served in 2017 at Liberty National Golf Club; his 2026 appearance marked his second time in the position.
Data & Statistics
- The PGA Tour projected 30,000 people per day and a total of 200,000 spectators over the weekend.
- Secret Service special agent Derek Mayer said a “multi-layer approach” to security would be in place, with TSA-style screening at the first-tee grandstand.
- Temporary structures covering 566,000 square feet were erected around Medinah’s No. 3 Course.
- Approximately 200 matches were scheduled for the final day, with the U.S. team trailing 10½ to 7½ before the comeback that secured the Cup.
Official Statements & Responses
- Derek Mayer, special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service detail, confirmed the layered security plan.
Criticism & Opposition
- Jesse Rojo, Chair of Illinois Veterans for Change, led a small protest group, stating, “We’re here today to protest because we need to be able to say we refuse to be silent.”
- Allison Galvan, executive director of Grito Latino Addison Community Center Inc., declared, “Giving the message that Trump is not welcome here in Illinois, in Chicago, in Medinah, in Addison – all of our neighborhoods.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether Trump delivered the 15-minute speech he reportedly requested. Golfweek reported that Trump asked for a 15-minute address at the first tee, but live coverage showed only a brief three-minute remark. CBS News and Fox Sports note the request, while the PGA Tour’s press release did not confirm a scheduled speech. The discrepancy remains unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re here today to protest because we need to be able to say we refuse to be silent,” — Jesse Rojo, Chair of Illinois Veterans for Change
- “At the request of the PGA Tour, and its great new Commissioner, Brian Rolapp, it is my honor to accept being the Honorary Chairman of the upcoming Presidents Cup,” — President Trump
