Donald Trump transformed the Ryder Cup into a platform to boost his ego and showcase political authority – turning the event from a friendly golf competition into a symbolic “battle against Europe that Trump’s America must emerge victorious from,” as per an expert’s observation.
Arriving in New York on Air Force One, the US President made his way to the Bethpage Black course accompanied by his granddaughter Kai. Cheers and chants of “USA, USA” greeted him as he acknowledged the crowd, although some voices of dissent were also heard. Political analyst Anthony Glees remarked to the Mirror that the spectacle resembled more of a political rally than a sports event.
Glees, a Politics professor at the University of Buckingham, expressed his view that Trump is using sports deliberately to enhance his persona and divert attention from domestic issues. Describing the Ryder Cup episode as “the politicization of sports in alignment with the Trumpization of American society,” Glees emphasized the strategic nature of Trump’s actions.
According to Glees, the former president’s focus on the Ryder Cup victory went beyond a mere trophy, with a strong desire for a US triumph on home ground evident as Europe led with a 3-1 score following the initial rounds. Glees highlighted Trump’s aspiration to “make America great again” through a victory that he perceives as a reflection of his own character.
The expert found the atmosphere at the tournament unsettling, particularly noting the fervor of the MAGA supporters, which he described as intimidating and chilling in the context of a traditionally genteel game like golf. Emphasizing the significance of the event as a symbolic showdown between the US and Europe, Glees underlined the stakes involved for Trump’s image and political narrative.
