US President Donald Trump arrived at MetLife Stadium on Sunday to attend the FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, marking a high-profile public appearance on the first anniversary of the assassination attempt he survived in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Trump, 79, arrived via Marine One helicopter around 35 minutes before kick-off, travelling from his Bedminster golf club to Teterboro Airport before being driven by motorcade to the stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, his son Donald Jr., and son-in-law Jared Kushner, the president’s arrival prompted intense security measures, including a pane of bulletproof glass believed to be shielding him inside the venue.
Footage posted by the White House Rapid Response account showed Trump stepping out of the helicopter and entering a secure vehicle. Secret Service officials reportedly coordinated the route and logistics with tournament organisers well in advance, according to The Athletic.
Trump was later seen watching the match alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Also spotted nearby were New York Jets owner and soon-to-be Crystal Palace co-owner Woody Johnson, as well as Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar — the previous owner of the controversial Boeing 747-8 jet gifted to Trump.
In a moment caught by stadium cameras during the national anthem, Trump was briefly shown on screen — prompting boos from sections of the crowd before the broadcast quickly cut away.
In addition to attending as a football fan, Trump is expected to engage in diplomatic activity. His Middle East Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, confirmed that the president will hold talks with senior Qatari officials on the sidelines of the event, with discussions reportedly focused on a potential ceasefire in Gaza.
Trump is also expected to take part in the trophy presentation ceremony following the final whistle, raising further logistical considerations for the already-heightened security operation.
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