JL
John Laverty
Politics & Government · United Kingdom
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Belfast Telegraph
Jul 2026
Donald J Trump — the most powerful man on the planet — needs Rory McIlroy to be his friend a lot more than the other way round
Rory McIlroy’s past criticism of Donald Trump, including a public chant after Europe’s Ryder Cup victory, has not damaged McIlroy’s standing, as Trump benefits more from association with the golfer than the reverse. The piece highlights McIlroy’s independence from political pressures and contrasts his position with Trump’s desire for approval from high-profile figures.
Belfast Telegraph
Jul 2026
Donald J Trump — the most powerful man on the planet — needs Rory McIlroy to be his friend a lot more than the other way round
Commentary argues that Donald Trump benefits more from being associated with Rory McIlroy than vice versa, framing McIlroy’s past criticisms of Trump and their public interactions as evidence of a power imbalance that favors the golfer.