President Trump’s unexpected appearance at the US Open Men’s Singles final on Sunday afternoon caused significant disruption for attendees, including numerous celebrities and VIPs, leading to chaotic scenes and extensive delays at Flushing Meadows. The event, which featured a highly anticipated match between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, was overshadowed by security protocols and logistical challenges triggered by the President’s presence.
Chaos ensued as vehicles were unable to access parking lots, forcing many attendees to walk long distances to reach the stadium. Even high-profile celebrities found themselves subjected to the same delays as ordinary fans, with sources describing the situation as an ‘absolute s–tshow’. Security measures were intensified, halting entry in multiple ways and creating bottlenecks that affected everyone from A-list actors to political figures.
Among those impacted were Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas, and Ben Stiller, who were spotted waiting in line like other spectators. Debra Messing reportedly sat in her car for an hour without being allowed to exit, while Lindsay Lohan was seen navigating crowded parking areas. Eventually, Stiller and others including Mindy Kaling, Bruce Springsteen, B.J. Novak, and Sting managed to reach their seats to watch the tennis match.
The United States Tennis Association had anticipated potential disruptions, advising broadcasters beforehand to avoid televising any negative reactions or cheers in response to Trump’s attendance. This directive aimed to maintain a neutral broadcast environment, but it did little to mitigate the on-ground chaos. Social media posts later revealed that the President was loudly booed by the crowd, particularly during the National Anthem, echoing a similar reception he received at the US Open in 2015.
Trump was accompanied by several members of his administration, including US Attorney General Pam Bondi, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. His son-in-law Jared Kushner and granddaughter Arabella were also present, adding to the entourage that contributed to the heightened security. The President’s visit marked his first return to the US Open since being booed at Arthur Ashe Stadium a decade prior, when he attended with his wife Melania Trump.
The incident highlights the challenges of hosting high-profile political figures at major public events, where security concerns can clash with the experience of other attendees. It also underscores the polarized public reactions to Trump’s appearances, which continue to draw strong responses from crowds. The chaos may prompt event organizers to reevaluate protocols for VIP and presidential visits in the future to balance safety with accessibility.
Looking ahead, the fallout from this event could influence how similar situations are handled at sporting events, potentially leading to more streamlined security measures or altered scheduling for dignitary appearances. The US Open, known for its glamour and celebrity sightings, may need to implement changes to prevent such disruptions from detracting from the athletic competition in years to come.