News Summary
Donald Trump declared victory in the Bedminster Senior Club Championship, but his win has been marred by allegations of cheating. Reports suggest that Trump has spent around $68.6 million on golf during his presidency. Additionally, health violations at his golf club and the burial of his first wife on the course have added to the controversies surrounding him. With a significant portion of his presidency spent on golf, questions about financial transparency and integrity continue to arise.
Bedminster — Donald Trump claimed victory in the Bedminster Senior Club Championship over the weekend, but his win has been overshadowed by social media allegations of cheating. This event is the latest in a series of golf outings that have generated significant expenses for American taxpayers, amounting to an estimated $68.6 million since the beginning of his second term in January.
The golf website DidTrumpGolfToday.com reports that Trump has played golf on 49 occasions during the first 202 days of his presidency, representing approximately 24.3% of his time in office. Costs associated with his outings have raised eyebrows, especially considering the financial burden placed on taxpayers. Along with the $68.6 million total, the Secret Service has incurred additional expenses related to golf carts and portable restrooms, estimated at $600,000.
The Secret Service has signed contracts for rental of golf carts and other facilities at Bedminster, with agreements valued at up to $1 million and options for renewal. Earlier estimates pegged the cost of each of Trump’s golf trips during his first term at about $3.38 million, a figure based on 2017 financial data. Trump’s history of taxpayer costs for golfing, which totaled around $151.5 million during his first term, is likely to be surpassed in his current term.
Cheating Allegations Surface
Trump’s golfing has not only brought financial scrutiny but also allegations of unfair play. Accusations have persisted, with claims that he has inflated his number of golf championships, with reported numbers varying between 24 to 36. Critics argue that there are no verifiable sources to substantiate these claims. Recently, a well-known sports journalist publicly challenged Trump to demonstrate his purported golfing prowess without cheating, offering a donation of $100,000 if he could accomplish this feat.
Claims of cheating have also surfaced during past tournaments, including a recent event in Scotland, where footage appeared to show a caddy assisting Trump in a manner perceived as unsportsmanlike. The persistent allegations cast doubt on the legitimacy of his golfing victories and have made headlines well beyond the golfing community.
Health and Safety Concerns at the Golf Club
In addition to financial and ethical controversies, recent inspections of the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster have revealed serious health violations. Initial reports indicated 18 violations relating to food safety regulations, resulting in a score of 32 out of 100. Following corrective measures, the club’s score improved to 86. The general manager of the club has characterized the health inspections as politically motivated, denying allegations concerning the club’s sanitation practices.
Controversy Over Burial Site
The burial of Trump’s first wife, Ivana, on the golf course has sparked various discussions, particularly concerning tax implications. New Jersey laws allow for cemetery designations to exempt property from certain tax responsibilities, raising questions about potential benefits this could provide to the Trump family following Ivana’s interment.
As Trump continues to navigate the complexities of his presidency, his golfing habits remain a topic of significant public interest, sparking conversations about integrity, financial transparency, and ethical behavior in leadership.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- PennLive: Trump Challenge
- New York Times: Health Inspection
- NJBIZ: Health Violations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Donald Trump
- Newsweek: Scrambles Fighter Jets
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK CITY STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYorkCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York City, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York City, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
