‘We have to help’: Trump’s joke about flying to Ryder Cup as Team USA struggled wins praise

FARMINGDALE, NEW YORK: President Donald Trump rushed to Bethpage Black after Team USA’s rough start at the 2025 Ryder Cup, saying he wanted to “try and help” the team recover.

“The team was not doing so well… So when I heard that, I said, ‘Let’s go on the plane, we have to try and help them!’” Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One on Friday, September 26.

His visit had been planned in advance, but aides said he moved up the trip after learning Europe had taken control in the opening matches.

Trump’s presence brings global attention to Ryder Cup

Never shy about highlighting his golfing prowess, 79-year-old Donald Trump suggested his presence could give Team USA a morale boost, though the appearance sparked debate.

His visit added a political layer to the sporting contest, with supporters waving flags and cheering the motorcade, while others noted it brought global attention to the Ryder Cup.

Weeks earlier, Trump’s attendance at the men’s US Open final had caused more than 45 minutes of delays to Carlos Alcaraz’s victory over Jannick Sinner due to security protocols.

Golf has long been central to Trump’s public image. In July 2025, he reopened the renovated Trump International Golf Links in Scotland, calling it a “labor of love” and underscoring his continued commitment to the sport

Even during his presidency, Trump often wove golf into his persona, portraying outings as more than leisure and using them for meetings and diplomacy.

His trip to Bethpage Black reportedly cost around $17 million in security and logistics, though supporters argued his high-profile presence helped lift American spirits as the tournament unfolded.

Europe storms ahead in early matches

The Ryder Cup got off to a difficult start for Team USA as Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood overpowered Collin Morikawa and Harris English in the morning foursomes. Europe quickly established a 3–1 lead, dominating despite the vocal support of the home crowd.

Morikawa then missed a critical putt that could have narrowed the deficit, a mistake widely criticized by commentators and fans online. Outside the course, chaotic scenes prevented some spectators from witnessing the start of play, adding to the tension and frustration surrounding the opening matches.

Europe’s early dominance set the tone for the rest of the day, leaving Team USA scrambling to regain momentum while the presidential visit added an unusual mix of attention and pressure.

Social media praises Trump for trying to 'boost' the morale

Ahead of flying to attend the Ryder's Cup Trump seemed to be in a good mood for a joke as he spoke to the reporters before heading for the event. His quip about him rushing to 'help' the struggling Team USA left the Internet amused. 

One social media user joked, "Put 47 in with Bryson. They would win." 

Another called it Trump's presence at the event a big boost as they wrote, "Team effort!! Big boost!"

One X user praised Trump for his attitude as they wrote, "Love seeing leaders being so involved and supportive! President Trump flying out to motivate the Ryder Cup team shows real passion for the sport hopefully that extra encouragement fires up the players for a strong comeback."

 One fan of the president's golfing skills suggested he play the game as well as they wrote, "I’d actually take DT over Morikawa, especially in match play. Let’s get 45/47 out there!"

While another praised Trump for being a great cheerleaders as they wrote, "I love him... he's giving his best to us. He's our national cheerleader. He's our national treasure." 

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