Trump Draws Mixed Reactions at Yankee Stadium on 9/11 Anniversary

Lead: President Donald Trump attended the New York Yankees-Detroit Tigers game at Yankee Stadium on September 11, saluting the flag and meeting players as fans offered both cheers and boos amid heightened security.

Nut Graf: Marking the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, Trump’s visit underscored national remembrance alongside political division. His presence before Thursday night’s game highlighted the ongoing interplay between patriotic observance and partisan response.

High Security, Patriotic Ceremony

Gates opened three hours early under tight Secret Service, NYPD and TSA screenings, with K9 units and metal detectors deployed throughout the ballpark. Fans were urged to leave bags at home and use mass transit to ease entry after recent campus violence raised safety concerns.

  • A Pentagon memorial earlier in the day saw Trump join officials indoors, a precaution after Wednesday’s shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
  • Stadium staff installed protective glass around the Steinbrenner family suite and boosted perimeter sweeps.

Clubhouse Visit and Anthem Salute

About 30 minutes before first pitch, Trump entered the Yankees’ clubhouse, greeting manager Aaron Boone, team president Randy Levine and players including Aaron Judge and Anthony Volpe. He praised their talent and predicted victory, joking about Judge’s strength and size.

On the field, Trump was the first figure shown on the videoboard during the national anthem, raising his hand in salute. “USA” chants erupted before and after, though moderate boos punctuated the ovation.

Crowd Reaction and Political Undercurrents

Throughout the evening, fans alternated between applause, “USA” cheers and jeers. A faint “F— Joe Biden” chant briefly rose but was quickly overtaken by patriotic calls. Some spectators wore pro-Trump gear, while others offered Bronx cheers in protest.

Historical Echoes and Traditions

The Yankees continued long-standing Sept. 11 tributes: singing “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch and laying wreaths at Monument Park. The scoreboard displayed 2001 World Series highlights, recalling baseball’s role in national healing after the attacks.

Looking Ahead

Trump’s appearance marked his first MLB outing since the 2021 World Series and his eighth major sporting event as president. With the 25th Sept. 11 anniversary approaching next year, future commemorations at Yankee Stadium promise to carry similar weight, blending remembrance with ongoing political discourse.