Trump's U.S. Open arrival delays match and leaves many seats empty

President Trump attended the U.S. Open on Sunday with Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Special Envoy Steve Witkofff and others.

President Donald Trump’s arrival at the U.S. Open men’s singles final appeared to cause delayed entry for spectators, resulting in long lines of frustrated fans and empty seats in the sprawling Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz kicked off at 2:30 p.m. ET, which was half an hour later than its originally scheduled time due to “security measures in place” and to “ensure that fans have additional time to get to their seats,” the U.S. Open wrote on X.

Trump walked around to wave to the crowd at around 1:45 p.m. as the stadium was just about 10% full and was met with a wave of mixed cheers and boos. He then took his seat at the Rolex box located at midcourt.

Long lines at the U.S. Open in New York City on Sunday.Courtesy Leah GombergHe was joined by White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, press secretary Karoline Leavitt, special envoy Steve Witkoff, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and granddaughter Arabella Kushner.

The absence of the usually packed crowd was noticeable.