▲ U.S. President Donald Trump (left) poses for a commemorative photo with the Irish Open winner
U.S. President Donald Trump turned a major sporting stage into a political PR opportunity on September 13 (local time) by personally presenting the trophy to the winner of the Irish Open held at his own golf course in Ireland.
According to agencies such as AFP and EFE, President Trump appeared wearing a hat emblazoned with the letters "USA" at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, on the west coast of Ireland, where he personally handed the championship trophy to winner Shane Lowry and posed side-by-side for commemorative photos.
President Trump visited Ireland with the primary objective of overseeing the Irish Open, a major sporting event held at his own golf resort.
The trophy presentation, which drew a flood of media spotlight, was the highlight of President Trump's visit.
Controversy over pursuing private interests had surrounded his trip to Ireland from early on.
Above all, critics point out that President Trump sought to utilize the tournament as a golden opportunity to extensively promote his own golf course to the world.
In particular, during his speech at the awards ceremony, he made a surprise announcement that he would eliminate tariffs on Irish whiskey imported into the United States, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd.
Previously, the Trump Organization purchased the golf course and hotel, which were undergoing bankruptcy procedures in 2014, at a relatively bargain price of 17 million dollars (approx. 23 billion KRW), and has been operating it under the name Trump International Golf Links.
As it is not a golf course with a deep historical tradition, hosting a major golf tournament like this and marketing featuring a direct appearance by President Trump could significantly raise its profile.
Eldest son Donald Trump Jr. and second son ERIC, who manage various businesses of the Trump family on behalf of their father, also attended the awards ceremony event.
Because of this, criticism emerged that President Trump blurred the lines between official public duties and private business during his visit to Ireland.
Large-scale protests against President Trump also continued in places such as the Irish capital of Dublin and Doonbeg.
In Dublin on the 12th, more than 10,000 demonstrators gathered under the slogan "Trump is not welcome" and marched through the streets, holding anti-Trump peace protests, including opposition to U.S. wars against Iran.
Before moving to Doonbeg via Marine One helicopter on that day, President Trump briefly stayed in Dublin and met with Irish leaders, including President Catherine Connolly and Prime Minister Micheál Martin.
To prepare for any unexpected situations during President Trump's visit, the Irish government deployed some 4,000 police and military personnel along his routes in Dublin and Doonbeg, executing the largest security operation in history.
(Photo: Getty Images)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.