A new report has revealed that President Donald Trump's grandchildren were explicitly barred from being driven by Tiger Woods even before the golf legend's recent DUI arrest and subsequent car crash in Florida. According to insider sources, the Trump family harboured significant concerns about the safety of allowing the children to travel with "someone with Woods' issues," long before last week's incident unfolded.
Family Concerns and Security Protocols
Members of the extended Trump family are described as being "far from pleased" at the mere prospect of the grandchildren being passengers in a vehicle operated by Woods. This sentiment stems from his well-documented history of traffic incidents and legal troubles related to driving. The concerns were reportedly so pronounced that U.S. Secret Service agents, responsible for the protection of the former president's family, had established protocols preventing Woods from driving the children under any circumstances.
A source close to the matter told The New York Post that the Secret Service was "certainly not letting Tiger Woods – even without the DUI" drive the kids. The source further emphasised that there would be considerable "concern" had the grandchildren not been under constant, round-the-clock security detail, which inherently limits such exposures.
The Jupiter Island Crash and Arrest
The report follows Tiger Woods' arrest on charges of driving under the influence after he crashed his Land Rover on Jupiter Island, Florida, last Friday afternoon. The Martin County Sheriff's Office confirmed the arrest, noting that Woods was later released on bail. Crucially, neither Vanessa Trump – Woods' girlfriend and the mother of five of Donald Trump Jr.'s children – nor any of the Trump grandchildren were present in the vehicle at the time of the collision.
This incident marks the latest in a series of high-profile crashes involving the 50-year-old golf icon and represents his second DUI arrest. In 2017, Woods was found passed out at the wheel in Florida, arrested for DUI, and later pleaded guilty to reckless driving, avoiding jail time. Then, in 2021, he sustained serious injuries in a California crash where police stated he was driving at least twice the posted 45mph speed limit.
Relationship Dynamics and Public Statements
Vanessa Trump, who filed for divorce from Donald Trump Jr. in 2018 after twelve years of marriage, has been in a relationship with Tiger Woods for over a year. Among their five children is 18-year-old Kai Trump, an aspiring golfer who has been photographed with Woods in the past.
Despite the family's private apprehensions, former President Donald Trump publicly expressed sympathy for Woods, whom he described as a "close friend." Speaking to reporters before the sheriff's office confirmed the arrest, Trump stated, "He's got some difficulty... There was an accident and that's all I know. He's a very close friend of mine, he's an amazing person, an amazing man. Some difficulty, I don't want to talk about it."
Impact on Golf Career and Tournament Participation
Woods' recent troubles add to a challenging period for his professional golf career. His last official tournament was The Open in 2024. A ruptured Achilles tendon in March 2025 sidelined him for the entire season, followed by back surgery. While he holds lifetime eligibility to play at The Masters as a five-time champion, Trump had previously suggested, during an appearance on Fox News' The Five, that Woods would not be participating in the upcoming tournament, stating, "I love Tiger, but he won't be there... He'll be there, but he won't be playing in it."
The Secret Service, when contacted for comment by The Independent, declined to discuss specifics regarding protective operations. The White House has also been approached for further information on the matter.
