Lip reader reveals what Trump told Ivanka's daughter Arabella in heated US Open moment

Donald Trump drew both cheers and boos at the US Open, but his tense exchange with granddaughter Arabella Kushner became the viral moment
A viral video captured Donald Trump in conversation with his granddaughter Arabella Kushner during his much-anticipated US Open appearance on Sunday, September 8 (X/@Ronxyz00)
A viral video captured Donald Trump in conversation with his granddaughter Arabella Kushner during his much-anticipated US Open appearance on Sunday, September 8 (X/@Ronxyz00)


 

QUEENS, NEW YORK: President Donald Trump attended the US Open men’s final on Sunday, September 8, in Queens, New York, where he was met with a mix of loud boos and cheers.

While his arrival made headlines, an awkward exchange with his granddaughter Arabella Kushner, daughter of Ivanka Trump, captured attention as a lip reader revealed what he told her.

Trump tells granddaughter Arabella Kushner to stay in place

Donald Trump attended the match with his son-in-law Jared Kushner, granddaughter Arabella Kushner, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and others, briefly delaying the start of the match.

Spectators immediately began snapping photos of the entourage.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his as U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi (L) and Arabella Kushner (R) look on before the start of the U.S. Open men's singles final at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for the U.S. Open finals on September 7, 2025 in New York City. President Trump is attending the U.S. Open men’s singles final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Donald Trump raised his hand as Attorney General Pam Bondi and Arabella Kushner looked on before the US Open men’s singles final at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 7, 2025, in New York City (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

According to lip reader Nicola Hickling who spoke to the Irish Star, in the viral video, Arabella appeared distraught as she searched frantically for her missing bag. She was overheard asking dad Jared, “Where is my bag?” to which he replied, “I don’t have it.”

Still distressed, Arabella asked Trump, who was clapping and waving to the crowd, to move so she could continue looking for her bag and phone. Hickling’s analysis suggested Trump told her, “You can stay right there.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: (L-R) U.S. President Donald Trump and granddaughter Arabella Kushner attend the Men's Singles Final match between Jannik Sinner of Italy and Carlos Alcaraz of Spain on Day Fifteen of the 2025 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 07, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Donald Trump and granddaughter Arabella Kushner attended the men’s singles final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz on Day Fifteen of the 2025 US Open at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 7, 2025, in New York City (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

The moment offered a glimpse into Trump’s dynamic with his family. The president is father to five children and grandfather to 11, who often accompany him to both official and personal events. Recently, his granddaughter Kai Trump, Donald Trump Jr’s daughter, drew attention when she was photographed golfing with him amid speculation about his health.

Trump greeted with boos and cheers at US Open

During the National Anthem ahead of the men’s final, Donald Trump was shown on the stadium monitors saluting as a West Point cadet performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.” While some fans cheered, boos quickly followed, prompting the president to respond with a faint smirk.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: (L-R) White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, White House deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, U.S. President Donald Trump, Arabella Kushner and Jared Kushner listen to the singing of the National Anthem before the start of the U.S. Open men's singles final at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for the U.S. Open finals on September 7, 2025 in New York City. President Trump is attending the U.S. Open men’s singles final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Karoline Leavitt, Dan Scavino, Pam Bondi, Donald Trump, Arabella Kushner, and Jared Kushner stood during the national anthem at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center during the US Open finals on September 7, 2025, in New York City (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

This marked Trump’s first US Open visit since 2015. During that appearance, he was also loudly booed while leaving a Serena vs Venus Williams match. Once a regular at the tournament, Trump styled himself as a celebrity presence and frequently appeared on the big screen.

The US Tennis Association (USTA) had reportedly urged broadcasters not to televise reactions to Trump. However, ESPN briefly showed him during the anthem.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The court backed four Democrats challenging FCC rules that let parties access candidates’ discounted 'lowest unit charge' TV ad rates
41 minutes ago
The watchdog said the incident undermined public trust in FEMA’s ability to provide impartial disaster assistance
1 hour ago
The watchdog cited Zohran Mamdani’s endorsement of Lindsey Boylan, whom he praised for her 'bravery' in speaking out against Andrew Cuomo
2 hours ago
Ralph Alvarado’s campaign manager Andy Westberry downplayed the website changes, saying it still highlights Donald Trump’s endorsement and photo
3 hours ago
The Kennedy Center cut costs by one-third, but its deficit remained $23 million as ticket sales plunged after Donald Trump’s name was added
3 hours ago
Sources described the damage as greater than any previously suffered by US intelligence agencies
3 hours ago
Donald Trump’s renaming threat came after trade talks collapsed and the US imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion in Canadian goods
4 hours ago
Sen Joni Ernst said Pete Hegseth had assured her Randy George would finish his term before Trump addressed the controversial removal
4 hours ago
Despite entering the race as a political newcomer, Graham benefited from the campaign of her late brother
4 hours ago
House Democrats are demanding details on the Board of Peace’s funding and oversight, with a possible investigation looming after the midterms
5 hours ago