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Trump Watches Irish Open at Doonbeg as Air Force One Touches Down

Heavy security that briefly halted play highlighted ethics and diplomatic questions about a sitting president attending an event held on property he owns.

Overview

  • President Donald Trump traveled to his Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg on Saturday and Marine One/Air Force One landed at the course during third-round play, prompting organizers to pause action while security moved through the site.
  • The White House confirmed a fortified presidential golf cart known as "Golf Force One" was on site, part of a fleet of specialty armored vehicles used for presidential travel.
  • Video circulated of two demonstrators being escorted off the seventh green after walking onto the course, and nationwide protests accompanied the president's two-day visit to Ireland.
  • Players reacted differently to the interruption: Brooks Koepka was seen socializing with Trump and expressed enthusiasm, while Rory McIlroy said he tried to stay focused on his round despite the spectacle.
  • Trump's Doonbeg appearance followed earlier meetings in Dublin with Irish leaders and adds to ongoing ethics scrutiny over a president visiting venues he owns, a pattern that could heighten diplomatic strain and increase security demands for future events.