Trump booed on live TV at Alabama-Georgia championship football game

But when he steps outside of that pre-scripted setting to attend events open to the public, he is met with derision and protests — even in the deepest red parts of the country.

On Monday night, Trump traveled to Atlanta to see the NCAA National Championship game between Georgia and Alabama, and the reception that greeted him was not exactly friendly.

As the city prepared for Trump’s arrival, protesters from Refuse Fascism ATL gathered at the nearby CNN Center:

Protesters gathered in front of the CNN Center. Refuse Fascism ATL organizers unfurled an anti-Trump banner and spoke into a megaphone about how @realDonaldTrump must go. More on the anticipated protests here => https://t.co/uOINy1jRHp #UGA2ATL pic.twitter.com/qBwsmyjUiw

— Atlanta Journal-Constitution (@ajc) January 8, 2018

While officials waited for Trump to arrive, several entrances to the stadium were shut, leaving angry fans stuck outside in the rain:

Report from a Georgia fan – all but two entrances to national championship game were shut down for POTUS arrival. Fans standing outside in the rain, chanting "Let us in!"

— Jonathan Allen (@jonallendc) January 8, 2018

And when Trump finally arrived, thousands of people in the stadium responded with furious boos:

Video of Trump being booed at #NationalChampionship game. For those saying that’s not “booing,” I can assure you that tens of thousands of people cheering doesn’t sound like a low, consistent rumble drowning out chants of “USA.” pic.twitter.com/Kg25lN1xAu

— Allen Clifton (@Allen_Clifton) January 9, 2018

If Trump had expected a friendly crowd that would validate his perception of continued strength and popularity in the South, Monday’s game fell far short of expectations.

Americans are sick of the failed Trump presidency — of all of its lies, corruption, and racial pandering. Even in the Deep South, Trump can no longer count on a friendly reception.

There’s only one thing to say about that: SAD!