Team Europe capped off their stunning 15-13 victory over the United States in the Ryder Cup by delivering a viral, champagne-soaked taunt directly to a high-profile spectator: U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a scene that perfectly encapsulated the fiery drama of the New York-hosted tournament, Europe’s victorious players, led by an exhilarated Rory McIlroy, filmed themselves holding the coveted trophy and chanting a message straight at the commander-in-chief.
The chant—a playful, yet pointed, dig at the President who had flown into Bethpage Black to support the American team—came moments after McIlroy, a close acquaintance of Mr. Trump’s, revealed he had received a congratulatory text message from the golf-loving President.
The Viral Reply
European Captain Luke Donald confirmed that the spontaneous moment of celebration was a direct response to the incoming text. As the team gathered in the locker room following the dramatic Sunday singles matches, which secured Europe’s first victory on American soil since 2012, McIlroy raised his phone and the entire squad joined in the chorus.
“Are you watching? Are you watching? Are you watching, Donald Trump?” the players sang, with McIlroy filming the joyful chaos.
The video was quickly shared across social media, ensuring the message landed precisely where it was intended.
The Gracious Response
The exchange, however, ended not in political friction, but in a surprisingly good-natured reply from the President himself.
Shortly after the video went viral, President Trump responded on his Truth Social platform with a concise, four-word message that earned praise for its unexpected graciousness:
“Yes, I’m watching. Congratulations!”
The lighthearted digital exchange provided a final, humorous twist to a highly tense and often hostile weekend at Bethpage Black. European players, particularly McIlroy and Shane Lowry, had faced a torrent of verbal abuse from the partisan New York crowds over the three days.
The moment underscored a theme that often runs through the Ryder Cup: intense competition quickly gives way to mutual respect—even across the deepest political and geographic divides. While the Americans were left to dissect a disappointing home defeat, Europe celebrated their history-making win with a jibe that instantly became part of Ryder Cup legend.