Instant Insight

30-Second Take

• President Donald Trump’s golf trips have cost American taxpayers over $18 million since his return to office.
• President Trump has played golf on 13 of the 48 days he has been back in office, primarily at his Florida golf courses.
• The costs include travel on Air Force One, extensive security measures, and law enforcement patrols.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

President Donald Trump’s love for golf has been a consistent theme throughout his presidency, but it comes at a significant cost to taxpayers. Since his return to office, President Trump has spent a substantial amount of time on the golf course, particularly at his private resorts in Florida.

Core Players

• Donald Trump – President of the United States
• American Taxpayers – Funding President Trump’s golf trips through public funds
• Trump International West Palm Beach and Trump Doral – President Trump’s private golf courses in Florida

Key Numbers

• $18 million – Cost of President Trump’s golf trips to taxpayers since his return to office
• 13 – Number of days President Trump has played golf out of 48 days back in office
• $151.5 million – Total cost of President Trump’s golf trips during his first term
• $3,383,250 – Cost per trip in 2017 dollars, adjusted for inflation

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

President Trump’s frequent golf outings have reignited debates about the use of taxpayer money for personal interests. Each trip involves significant expenses, including travel on Air Force One, extensive security measures, and law enforcement patrols.

“For me and millions of people—men, women, young and old around the world—golf is more than a game. It is a passion,” President Trump has said, highlighting his deep love for the sport.

Inside Forces

President Trump’s golf habits have been a subject of controversy since his first term. The costs associated with these trips are not just financial but also involve significant logistical and security efforts. Military transports are used to move President Trump’s motorcade vehicles, and police boats with machine guns patrol the waterways during his travels.

The security measures have been tightened further after President Trump survived two assassination attempts last year.

Power Dynamics

President Trump’s decision to spend time at his golf courses, despite the high costs, reflects his personal priorities and the influence he wields as president. Critics argue that this use of taxpayer funds is inappropriate, especially during times of economic challenges and geopolitical tensions.

Supporters, however, see it as a necessary aspect of the president’s downtime and stress relief.

Outside Impact

The public reaction to President Trump’s golf trips has been mixed. While some view it as an abuse of public funds, others see it as a minor issue compared to broader policy concerns. The controversy has sparked discussions about the balance between personal and public responsibilities of the president.

Economic analysts note that the costs, although significant, are a small fraction of the overall federal budget but still represent a symbolic issue that can affect public perception of the president’s priorities.

Future Forces

As President Trump continues his presidency, the debate over his golf trips is likely to persist. The issue may become more pronounced if economic conditions worsen or if other crises demand more immediate attention from the president.

Future administrations may also face scrutiny over similar personal expenses, setting a precedent for how taxpayer money is used for presidential leisure activities.

Data Points

• January 20, 2025 – President Trump’s second term began
• March 8, 2025 – President Trump visited Trump International West Palm Beach
• 10 – Number of trips to Trump International West Palm Beach since inauguration
• 3 – Number of times President Trump golfed at Trump Doral
• 16+ – Number of golf courses owned by President Trump worldwide