Former President Donald Trump made a grand entrance at the Ryder Cup, using the event as a platform to showcase his authority and political influence. Instead of a friendly golf tournament, it was framed as a symbolic battle between the United States and Europe, according to an expert’s analysis.
Arriving in New York on Air Force One, Trump joined the action at the Bethpage Black course, accompanied by his granddaughter, Kai. Supporters enthusiastically cheered for him, chanting “USA, USA,” while some expressed their disapproval with boos. Political analyst Anthony Glees observed that the event resembled a political rally rather than a sporting spectacle.
Glees, a Politics professor at the University of Buckingham, highlighted Trump’s strategic utilization of sports to enhance his personal brand and divert attention from domestic challenges. He characterized the Ryder Cup episode as part of a broader trend of politicizing sports in alignment with the “Trump-isation” of American society.
Describing Trump’s engagement as a deliberate effort to boost his ego, Glees emphasized the significance the former president placed on a US victory on home soil, especially with Europe leading 3-1 after the initial matches. Trump’s ambition to “make America great again” through the golf competition was evident, reflecting his desire to assert his dominance and influence.
The expert found the atmosphere at the tournament unsettling, noting the intense loyalty of Trump’s supporters and the intimidating ambiance they created. He remarked on the stark contrast between the genteel nature of golf and the fervent nationalism on display, portraying the event as a critical showdown that Trump’s America needed to prevail in against Europe.