Police Bodycam Captures Tiger Woods Calling Donald Trump After Crash
Newly released police footage has revealed that golf legend Tiger Woods placed a phone call to former President Donald Trump immediately after a car crash near his Florida home. The incident, which occurred on Jupiter Island, resulted in Woods being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
Tiger Woods was involved in a collision with a lorry, causing his Land Rover to overturn. Although he passed a breathalyser test at the scene, local sheriff John Budensiek reported that Woods displayed signs of impairment unrelated to alcohol. The bodycam footage, released on Thursday, shows Woods undergoing a field sobriety test before apparently falling asleep in the back of a police vehicle.
Prior to his arrest, Woods was observed talking on his phone and informed an officer that he was speaking with President Trump. As he walked away to take the call, an officer summoned him back, to which Woods responded, "Yeah, I was just talking with the President. Was just trying to get away." The golfer was later heard saying, "Thank you so much. All right. You got it. Bye" before ending the conversation.
Trump's Response and Friendship with Woods
Donald Trump, a longtime friend of Woods, commented on the situation shortly after the arrest. "I feel so bad. He's got some difficulty -- there was an accident, and that's all I know," Trump stated. He added, "A very close friend of mine, he's an amazing person, an amazing man. But some difficulty. I don't want to talk about it." The friendship between Woods and Trump spans several decades, with Woods currently in a relationship with Vanessa Trump, the former wife of Donald Trump Jr.
Legal Proceedings and Treatment Plans
Woods is facing multiple charges and is scheduled to appear in court in May. He has agreed to cooperate with all further legal proceedings. However, his solicitor, Douglas Duncan, successfully petitioned a judge to allow Woods to leave the United States for comprehensive inpatient treatment abroad. The filing cited the golfer's "complex clinical presentation" and the urgent need for a level of care that cannot be safely provided in the U.S. due to privacy concerns.
Duncan argued that Woods's high-profile status could hinder his recovery in the United States, potentially leading to setbacks. Since the accident, Woods has informed the PGA of America that he no longer wishes to be considered for the captaincy of the 2027 Ryder Cup. He has also withdrawn from plans for a return at the Masters, stepping back from professional golf entirely to focus on his treatment and recovery.
