Trump Gives Brief Presidents Cup Remarks Before U.S. Victory

President Donald Trump made brief remarks before Sunday’s Presidents Cup singles matches at Medinah Country Club in Illinois, telling spectators the United States was doing great and “better than ever” before giving way to the golfers. Team USA went on to win the competition 17-13, taking nine of the 12 singles matches, according to a post-event account. Trump, the tournament’s honorary chairman, spoke at the first tee as the U.S. team prepared to play from a 10.5-7.5 deficit against the International team. The remarks lasted less than a minute, according to reports, though accounts differed on the precise duration. Trump said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp had asked him to make a short speech and joked that the crowd had come to watch golf, not hear speeches. He also referred to reports about the reception he received, saying the media would describe it as poor and asserting that the crowd had welcomed him. Spectators chanted “USA” and applauded, while other accounts also described boos during his appearance. Reports said international players were booed as they came onto the course. The accounts do not quantify the different reactions.