The substantial cost to American taxpayers for former President Donald Trump's golfing habits has been revealed, with new figures showing millions spent on travel and security since the start of his second term.
A Staggering Financial Trajectory
According to recent reports, Donald Trump has spent approximately $71 million of taxpayer money on golf-related travel and security since January. This spending continues a pattern established during his first presidential term, where the total cost reached $151.5 million. If this current rate of expenditure continues, the total cost by the end of his presidency could near a staggering $300 million.
The High Price of a Presidential Golf Trip
Each journey to his Mar-a-Lago resort carries an enormous price tag. A single trip is estimated to cost around $3.4 million. This exorbitant sum is primarily driven by the operational costs of Air Force One and the extensive, round-the-clock security measures required for a travelling president.
This level of spending significantly outpaces that of his predecessors. Presidents like Joe Biden and Barack Obama have historically utilised smaller aircraft or chosen to play at golf courses much closer to Washington D.C., resulting in far lower costs to the public purse.
Promises Versus Practice
The figures highlight a notable contradiction in Trump's political career. While he was a frequent critic of Barack Obama's golfing, promising he would be too busy working for the American people to hit the links, the reality has been different. Official records show that Trump golfed on 293 days during his first term in office.
The ongoing expenditure raises significant questions about the use of public funds for personal leisure, especially when compared to the fiscal prudence demonstrated by other modern presidents.
