Donald Trump was in attendance at the 2025 US Open final and his appearance looks set to cost taxpayers a whole lot of money.
The 45th and 47th US President received a corporate invite by sponsor Rolex to watch Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner produce yet another jawdropping final in their 15th meeting.
Trump flew in on Air Force from the White House and arrived at LaGuardia airport on Sunday morning but his presence meant added security measures and TSA-style bag searches at Arthur Ashe Stadium - ultimately causing the match to be delayed by more than 30 minutes.
He saluted the fans in attendance during the national anthem but boos were heard despite broadcasters being told to refrain from coverage of negative reactions.
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In his second term, the 79-year-old has attended a whole host of major sporting events alongside taking many golfing trips.
In July he was present for the Club World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium in New York and infamously refused to vacate the podium after being part of the official medal and trophy presentation for Chelsea's triumph.
Trump is also a regular at UFC events and whenever he has a large-scale appearance, his Secret Service accompany him at all times.
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And as expected, having the innate security presence for protection does not come on the cheap.
Donald Trump's staggering security costs
At UFC 244 in New York City, it's claimed security and various other expenses totalled around $250,000.
As per the Daily Mail, federal records released said that the US government paid $224,212 on hotel rooms for dedicated Secret Service agents - as well as $22,005.51 in travel expenses.
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There was also an additional $6,350 on 'tents' used as security checkpoints by the experts, whose starting salaries vary from $49,508 to $64,009 as per the official Secret Service website,
It has been claimed previously that 80 Secret Service agents travel with the President and are responsible for his safety,
No specific costs for the US Open have been disclosed but they are likely to be similar to other major events Trump has been at.
Snopes said that his historic appearance at the Super Bowl in February came to $1 million with Secret Service work and air travel factored in - stressing that it was likely "only a fraction of the total cost of Trump’s presence at the Super Bowl to American taxpayers".
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The outlet also pointed out that FOIA findings published by The War Zone in 2022, showed that Air Force one costs roughly $177,843 per flight-hour.
The costs include fuel, flight consumables, and aircraft and engine overhaul and have likely increased since then.
Analysis from Huff Post said his five-day golf trip to Scotland in July would cost US taxpayers an estimated $9.7 million.
His golf expenses during his first presidential term is believed to have totalled $152 million for 293 golf days at various resorts he owns but that could well be dwarfed in his second spell.
Topics: Donald Trump, US Open, Carlos Alcaraz, Tennis
Josh Lawless