President Trump’s golf trips have caused outrage among taxpayers because of the stunning costs, $18 million in his first term alone. Golf trips—mostly to Trump International and Trump Doral—raise questions about what he’s doing with his time when he’s supposed to be president. Discrepancies between what he says and what he does only add to the skepticism. As the debate heats up on government spending and transparency, his recreational activities deserve a closer look.
Since he’s been back at the White House President Trump has golfed a lot, not just often but expensively. In just 48 days he’s golfed 13 times, 10 of those at Trump International in West Palm Beach and 3 at Trump Doral near Miami International Airport. So many trips raise questions about what’s going on, especially when you consider he’s supposed to be president.
President Trump’s golf outings have sparked debate over their frequency and financial impact on taxpayers during his presidency.
The cost of these golf trips has not gone unnoticed. Taxpayer costs for Trump’s golfing trips are over $18 million, on top of the $151.5 million during his first term. Initial trips in 2017 cost taxpayers around $3.4 million each, adjusted for inflation—mostly for security and logistical support, which is a lot given presidential travel.
HuffPost has done the math and it’s gotten people really upset about how extravagant these trips are.
Security for these golf trips adds to the cost. Travel involves using Air Force One and military C-17 planes, and extra security means police boats on the water and Coast Guard vessels at the golf courses. Local law enforcement and explosive-sniffing dogs are deployed, especially since there were assassination attempts during the 2024 campaign.
The gap between what Trump says and what he does is part of the problem. He said he wouldn’t golf when he got to Florida and then was seen at the Doral course. When he left the West Palm Beach course he was gone in 6 minutes and going 90 mph. The media and the public are skeptical.
As people get more upset about the cost of his golfing the question of whether a president’s personal time is private remains a hot button issue and part of the larger conversation about accountability and transparency in government.ent spending.