Donald Trump has provided an update on Tiger Woods following the golfer's DUI arrest in Florida last week, stating that Woods is “doing great” despite living “a life of pain”. Woods, 50, was involved in a rollover car crash on Jupiter Island, during which his car clipped a pressure-washer vehicle and flipped over.
He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and spent eight hours in jail before being released on bail. A breathalyser test at the scene showed no alcohol, but a sheriff's report noted he had two hydrocodone pills in his pocket. Woods was also charged with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
In a phone interview with the NY Post, Trump said: “He tested negative for alcohol, as you know, and he is under a tremendous physical pressure from his various ailments, you know, the back and the leg. He lives a life of pain. He has a lot of pain. He’s an amazing guy. He’s an amazing athlete. He does have pain. He doesn’t have an alcohol problem, but he does have pain.”
Trump previously called Woods “a very close friend of mine”. Woods is currently dating Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr., with whom she shares five children. This is Woods' second DUI incident, following a previous arrest in Florida in May 2017, and he was also involved in a serious crash in California in 2021.
A recent change to Florida law means refusing a law enforcement officer's request for a breath, blood or urine test is now a misdemeanour even for a first offence. Woods' first court date is set for 23 April, while it remains unclear whether he will compete at the Masters tournament between 9 and 12 April in Augusta, Georgia.
