Reactions to Trump shall be censored, US Open asks broadcasters

The United States Tennis Association has asked the US Open tournament broadcasters to minimize disruptions this year at the men’s finals between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. This includes a censorship of any reactions or protests related to Trump’s presence throughout the match coverage.

The key text from the email sent by the USTA, first obtained by Bounces includes:

“With respect to Broadcast Coverage, the President will be shown on the World Feed and the Ashe Court Feed during the opening anthem ceremony. We ask all broadcasters to refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions in response to the President’s attendance in any capacity, including ENG [Electronic News Gathering] coverage.”


“With respect to Broadcast Coverage, the President will be shown on the World Feed and the Ashe Court Feed during the opening anthem ceremony,” the mail further contained. Some noted that the tournament will feature intense noise during this time, designed to dampen any potential boos or protests

President Trump will be attending the US Open after 10 years, making him the first sitting US president in 25 years to be present at this prestigious tennis event, last being Bill Clinton in 2000. This heightened security and censorship follows the 2015 incident of Trump meeting with boos and protests at the US Open.

Trump will watch the thrilling showdown on Sunday from a private suite at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York, as a guest of the Swiss luxury watchmaker Rolex, a major tournament sponsor.

Currently, the Swiss-based company is facing a 39 percent tariff on products imported to the U.S., notes the AP.

Trump has been unusually active in sports appearances for a sitting president, including being the first in office to attend a Super Bowl earlier this year.

He also announced that Washington, D.C., would host the 2027 NFL Draft.

FAQs

Q: Why is the USTA asking broadcasters to censor reactions to Trump’s attendance?
A: Reportedly to prevent potential disruptions and ensure the tournament’s focus remains on tennis, the USTA requested broadcasters refrain from showing any crowds or protests related to the president’s presence, especially during highly publicized segments.

Q: Who invited Trump to the U.S. Open?
A: Trump is attending as a guest of Rolex, an official tournament sponsor with a prominent suite at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Q: How have players reacted to Trump's presence?
A: Leading players like Carlos Alcaraz acknowledge the historic nature of a sitting president attending and aim to maintain focus on their performance during the match.