President Donald Trump's frequent golf excursions have cost American taxpayers approximately $71 million since his second term began in January, with projections indicating this figure could ultimately reach a staggering $300 million if his current pace continues, according to a HuffPost analysis.
The Mounting Costs of Presidential Golf
The analysis reveals that Trump's most recent visit to his Mar-a-Lago club on Wednesday marked his 16th trip this year to the Florida property alone. Each journey to the Palm Beach resort carries an estimated price tag of $3.4 million in travel and security expenses. Should the President make two additional trips to Mar-a-Lago in December, his golf-related expenditures for 2025 would surpass $75 million, putting his administration on track to exceed the $300 million threshold by term's end.
These figures build upon substantial spending during Trump's first presidential term, where $151.5 million was allocated to taxpayer-funded golf travel and security. Beyond his Florida visits, the President has made nine trips to his Bedminster, New Jersey golf resort at approximately $1.1 million per visit, along with one excursion to his new Aberdeen, Scotland course that cost taxpayers nearly $10 million.
Understanding the Expense Breakdown
HuffPost's assessment relies on cost estimates from a 2019 Government Accountability Office report examining Trump's first-term Mar-a-Lago visits. The majority of expenses stem from military and law enforcement salaries, which haven't been adjusted for inflation, meaning the actual costs are likely substantially higher than these conservative figures.
The considerable expense of Mar-a-Lago trips derives from extensive security requirements, including armed boats and Coast Guard patrols. The single largest cost component is Air Force One, which carries a price tag of $1.1 million per four-hour round trip. Visits to Bedminster cost slightly less at $1.1 million each because Trump typically uses a smaller 757 aircraft instead of the larger 747.
This spending stands in stark contrast to predecessor Barack Obama's golf outings, which were significantly less expensive as he frequently used smaller aircraft or played at nearby courses, including the course at Maryland's Joint Base Andrews. Similarly, former President Joe Biden's trips to Wilmington, Delaware, and Rehoboth Beach cost far less than Trump's golf excursions due to his use of smaller aircraft or helicopters.
Golf as Diplomacy and Controversy
Trump's well-documented passion for golf has become integrated into his diplomatic approach, with foreign leaders presenting him with golf-related gifts. In October, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi gifted Trump a gold-leaf golf ball and tee set, along with a golf club previously used by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa brought professional golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen to the White House in May in an apparent effort to ease tensions. The President has consistently used golf as a relationship-building tool, hosting politicians and world leaders from Finnish President Alexander Stubb to US Senator Lindsey Graham on the course.
Trump's physician has cited his frequent golfing as evidence of physical fitness, framing it as part of an active lifestyle in an April health evaluation. However, this golfing habit has also attracted scrutiny, with a book by former caddies alleging he employs various methods to gain an advantage during play. Some caddies reportedly nicknamed him "Pelé" after the Brazilian football legend, joking that he constantly "kicks" the ball to improve his position.
The current spending represents a notable departure from Trump's 2016 campaign promise, when he criticised President Obama's golf habits at a rally, declaring: "I love golf, but if I were in the White House, I don't think I'd ever see Turnberry again. I don't think I'd ever see Doral again. I don't ever think I'd see anything. I just want to stay in the White House and work my ass off." Despite this assurance, Trump golfed 293 days at his own courses during his first term alone.
The White House has been contacted for comment regarding these expenditure figures.
