FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (AP) — President Donald Trump started Friday by warning that more of his enemies will face prosecution, shaking the foundations of the American justice system by treating it as a tool of political retribution.
He then jetted off to the Ryder Cup to enjoy the rest of the day as the golfer-in-chief, watching the U.S. compete against Europe as the sun shined and the crowd cheered.
It was the latest example of how Trump seizes the attention that comes along with high-profile sporting events, putting his personal imprint on activities that have existed for generations as largely nonpartisan affairs.
Standing on the tee box in white golf shoes and a dark suit, the Republican president led spectators in a “USA!” chant a day after James Comey, the former FBI director, became the first former senior government official involved in one of Trump’s chief grievances to face prosecution.
Even as he pushes the bounds of the presidency in his second term, Trump still found a warm welcome at the Ryder Cup. The crowd, many of whom endured lengthy security delays, chanted “USA! USA!” as Air Force One flew low over the closing holes at the Bethpage Black course.
Some spectators in the stands chanted “48,” suggesting they want the 45th and 47th president to serve an unconstitutional third term. Trump’s support among his base remained strong, with Phil Dunn from Pittsburgh asserting that Trump is “doing a hell of a job for the country.”
As for Comey, Dunn remarked, “it was treasonous what he did.” Comey is charged with making a false statement to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding, claiming he would fight the charges as a consequence of standing up to Trump.
Golf has always been a refuge for Trump. He owns several courses and visits often to play and hold meetings. The day the 2020 election was called for Biden, he played golf in Virginia, insulated in a bubble of admiration.
This year’s Ryder Cup represented a synthesis of Trump’s appeal: a billionaire with populist tastes. Although golf is seen as elitist, Bethpage is known as the “People’s Country Club,” being one of the few public courses to host professional tournaments. The event is rooted in patriotism as American players compete against Europeans, with attendees often clad in red, white, and blue attire.
As Trump arrived, the crowd roared and broke into “USA!” chants. He saluted as a New York City firefighter sang the national anthem, and the audience erupted as military jets crossed the sky.
Now, sports are set to become even more central to Trump’s presidency, particularly with the U.S. hosting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and next year’s World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. Trump has suggested reshaping the schedule for the soccer tournament to align with his political agenda.
Little of the controversies were on people’s minds at Bethpage. Jody Erwin, dressed in Captain America gear, expressed his excitement about Trump's attendance, stating, “He supports golf. He loves golf.” Meanwhile, attending from London, Peter Bruce remarked that “it’s not about him, it’s about those 12 players for each team.”
