‘Trump, I love you,’ and ‘Putin Won’ greet president at Open
BEDMINSTER, N.J. (AP) – President Donald Trump spent a second day watching the women’s golf tournament being held at his central New Jersey golf club Saturday, as dozens of antiTrump protesters waved flags and held up banners outside.
Sporting his signature red “Make America Great Again” cap, Trump arrived to cheers from fans watching the U.S. Women’s Open at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster.
“We love you, Donald!” they shouted, as he made his way into an enclosed viewing area with large windows looking out onto the course.
Trump spent the afternoon watching the tournament on television, chatting with competing golfers and club managers, posing for photos and flashing thumbs-up signs to spectators who gathered to catch a glimpse of their president in the flesh. The loud crowd that gathered to watch him at times distracted the golfers playing nearby, with club staff urging fans trying to win Trump’s attention to be quiet during play.
Every so often, Trump would turn to acknowledge the crowd, pointing to fans decked out in his campaign merchandise and offering thumbs-up, fist bumps and mouthed, “Thank you!”s.
“It’s just a fun experience,” said Tom Palmer, 28, of Philadelphia. “He’s enjoying,” he said of the president, “so it’s fun to be around.” But others were less impressed. Ed Riley, 75, of Bridgewater, N.W., brought his 13-year-old grandson, Joey, to the open in hopes of seeing Trump. But he said the president’s presence wound up being a “little bit of a distraction” for players competing with the Republican for attention and applause.
He also was weary of the armed law enforcement officers positioned around the property, calling the experience “a little bit scary.”
White House officials did not provide a full list of the people the president met with, but his middle son Eric, and daughter-in-law, Lara, were both spotted inside the viewing room.