Donald Trump is no stranger to controversy, but one thing remains constant—his love for golf. Whether in or out of office, Trump’s frequent golf outings have been a hot topic of debate, not just for their frequency but for the staggering costs passed onto taxpayers.
Recent reports reveal that his 13 rounds of golf this year alone have racked up a massive bill for American taxpayers. But where does all this money go, and why is the cost so high? Let’s break it down.
Trump’s Golf Trips and Their Financial Impact
Since returning to office, Donald Trump has played golf on 13 out of 48 days—a pattern that raises questions about priorities, presidential duties, and taxpayer-funded expenses.
His preferred golf destinations include:
✔ Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida
✔ Trump National Doral in Miami, Florida
While these luxury courses provide privacy, exclusivity, and top-tier amenities, they also come with an exorbitant cost that taxpayers are unknowingly funding.
Video: Trump’s Golf Trips and Biden’s Beach Retreats Cost Taxpayers Millions | Firstpost America | N18G
How Much Has His Golf Habit Cost This Year?
💰 Reports estimate that Trump’s golf outings in 2024 alone have cost taxpayers over $18 million—and the year is far from over.
This number is shocking, but when you factor in the cost of travel, security, and logistical arrangements, it starts to make sense.
The Cost of Air Travel and Security for Trump’s Golf Trips
One of the biggest contributors to the high cost of Trump’s golf outings is presidential air travel.
1. Air Force One and Its Hefty Price Tag
Each time Trump flies to a golf course, it requires the use of Air Force One, a Boeing 747 equipped with cutting-edge security and communication systems.
✈ Estimated cost per flight hour: $200,000 – $250,000
✈ Round trip from Washington, D.C. to Florida: Approximately $1.5 million
Considering Trump has made multiple trips to Florida this year for golf, these flights alone add millions to the taxpayer-funded bill.
2. Presidential Security and Protection
As a sitting president, Trump is entitled to full-time Secret Service protection. However, when he travels to his own private properties, the costs rise exponentially.
Security expenses include:
🚔 Law enforcement patrols – Local police and federal agents secure the surrounding area.
🐕 Bomb-sniffing dogs and surveillance teams – Every location must be thoroughly vetted.
🚁 Marine One helicopter transportation – Used for short-distance travel to golf courses.
These additional security measures inflate the overall cost—all while Trump enjoys a round of golf at his own resorts.
The History of Trump’s Expensive Golf Habits
Trump’s love for golf is nothing new, but his track record of excessive spending on golf trips has been widely criticized.
Previous Reports on Trump’s Golf Costs
📌 2019: The Washington Post reported that Trump’s Florida golf trips alone had already cost taxpayers $64 million.
📌 2020: Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich estimated that Trump’s total golf-related expenses had surpassed $141 million by October.
These figures far exceed the costs of past presidents, raising ethical concerns—especially when considering Trump’s own criticism of Barack Obama’s golf habits.
The Ironic Hypocrisy: Trump’s Past Criticism of Obama’s Golfing
Before taking office in 2017, Trump was one of the loudest critics of presidential golf outings. He frequently attacked Barack Obama, calling out his golfing trips as a waste of taxpayer money.
Some of Trump’s past tweets include:
🗣 “We pay for Obama’s travel so he can fundraise millions so Democrats can run on lies. Then we pay for his golf.”
🗣 “Can you believe that, with all the problems and difficulties facing the U.S., President Obama spent the day playing golf?”
Yet, once in office, Trump shattered records for presidential golf outings—playing more rounds in his first year alone than Obama did in two terms.
The biggest difference? Trump played golf at his own properties, meaning taxpayer money directly benefited his privately owned resorts.
Video: Trump’s Golf Trips Have Cost an Estimated $10.7M in Just 30 Days
Trump’s Golf Business: A Conflict of Interest?
Another layer to this golf controversy is the fact that Trump owns the very courses he plays at.
✔ 12 private golf clubs across the United States
✔ International properties in Scotland, Ireland, and Dubai
How This Creates a Conflict of Interest
🛑 Taxpayer money flows directly into Trump’s businesses – Every trip to a Trump-owned golf course requires government spending for accommodations, security, and staff.
🛑 Secret Service and staff stay at Trump hotels – Whenever Trump visits a Trump-branded resort, officials must book rooms—meaning U.S. tax dollars fund his own company.
🛑 Trump profits from his presidency – Instead of using government facilities, he directs official business to his own properties, blurring the line between public service and personal profit.
The Bigger Issue: Should Taxpayers Pay for a President’s Golf Hobby?
Golf has long been a pastime for U.S. presidents, but the issue at hand isn’t just about how much time a president spends golfing—it’s about who foots the bill.
Here’s why Trump’s case is unique:
✔ No president has spent this much taxpayer money on golf travel.
✔ Trump’s courses directly benefit from his presidency.
✔ His previous criticism of golf expenses makes the hypocrisy undeniable.
As scrutiny continues to grow, many Americans are questioning whether this level of personal indulgence is justifiable—especially given the economic struggles faced by taxpayers nationwide.
Final Thoughts: Who Really Pays for Trump’s Golf Rounds?
At the end of the day, Trump’s love for golf remains unchanged—but American taxpayers are the ones footing the bill.
With each trip requiring costly travel, security, and accommodations, the expenses continue to skyrocket.
So, the real question is: Should presidents be more mindful of taxpayer dollars when indulging in personal hobbies?
As the debate over presidential expenses continues, one thing is certain—Trump’s golf trips will remain a topic of controversy for years to come.
