Trump Gives Brief Remarks Before Presidents Cup Singles

President Donald Trump addressed spectators briefly before the final-day singles at the Presidents Cup in Medinah, Illinois, on Sunday, saying the United States was doing great and “better than ever” before yielding the floor to the golfers. Reports timed his remarks at 27 seconds, while another described them as about a minute. The accounts agree that the address was far shorter than a reported 15-minute speaking window, but do not establish that tournament organizers had approved or scheduled a speech of that length. Trump, attending as the tournament’s honorary chairman, spoke at the first tee before the singles matches. He said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp had asked him to make a short speech and that spectators had come to watch golf rather than hear speeches. Trump also referred to coverage of the reception he received, saying the press would report that he had received a bad welcome, and claimed the crowd had greeted him well. Spectators both cheered and booed during Trump’s appearance. One account described chants of “USA” and applause as he approached the microphone; others reported boos as well.