Give Fans a Break
Few spectacles are more American than a packed stadium, the roar of the crowd, and the buzz of anticipation before a big game. For decades, presidents have dipped into this cultural current, showing up at the Super Bowl, the World Series, or more recently the US Open Tennis championship and the Ryder Cup to wave to fans, garner media attention. But in today’s climate, presidential appearances at major sporting events are no longer harmless traditions—they’re distractions at best and polarizing at worst.
First, let’s be clear: sports are supposed to be one of the last bastions of collective escape. Whether it’s baseball, football, golf, soccer or basketball, people come together across political, social, and economic divides to cheer for something beyond themselves. When a sitting president steps into the arena, the mood instantly shifts. The event ceases to be about the athletes or the game and becomes about the politician in the stands. Cheers and boos alike fracture the crowd, and suddenly the field of play is just another backdrop for America’s endless culture wars.
Second, there’s the issue of cost and security. A presidential visit is a logistical nightmare. Secret Service sweeps, road closures, and security checkpoints make it harder for ordinary fans to enjoy the event they paid a premium to attend. Athletes and organizers also have to adjust schedules and access points to accommodate the presence of one individual. The ripple effect of inconvenience is massive, and all so that the commander-in-chief can be photographed eating a hot dog or waving to the crowd. President Trump's visit to the US Open Tennis championship created multi-hour delays for thousands of paying spectators.
And Trump's attendance at the 2025 Ryder Cup is projected to cost US taxpayers approximately $17 million. This significant expense is driven by security measures, including the need for extensive Secret Service protection, local and federal policing, and specialized security units, as well as transportation costs for Air Force One and associated personnel.
Third, it smacks of political theater. In an age of social media and relentless campaigning, no presidential appearance at a sporting event is truly apolitical. Every smile, every handshake, every wave from the luxury box is carefully calculated to project relatability, patriotism, or toughness. But fans don’t buy tickets to be props in a campaign ad. They’re there for the drama of the game, not the drama of the presidency.
Finally, presidents risk diminishing themselves in the process. Sports crowds are notoriously rowdy, unpredictable, and unfiltered. The modern president is unlikely to receive a universally warm welcome, no matter their party. Every chorus of boos, every viral clip of a jeering crowd, chips away at the dignity of the office and reduces the president to just another polarizing figure in an arena built for entertainment, not governance.
None of this means presidents shouldn’t engage with sports. Hosting championship teams at the White House, celebrating Olympic victories, or highlighting youth sports programs are all meaningful ways to connect athletics to civic life. But parachuting into a major sporting event for optics is self-serving and counterproductive.
At a time when the country desperately needs spaces for shared joy and common ground, sports should be left alone. Let the games belong to the fans, the athletes, and the communities that love them. The presidency is the highest office in the land—but that doesn’t mean it belongs in the bleachers.
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