Trump’s golf trips have cost taxpayers $71M since January and could eventually top staggering $300M, report says
President Donald Trump has reportedly spent about $71 million in taxpayer-funded costs on golfing during his second term, and if his current pace continues, that total could reach $300 million by the end of his term.
According to a HuffPost analysis, Trump’s latest visit, on Wednesday, marked his 16th trip to Mar-a-Lago this year, with each trip costing $3.4 million in travel and security.
If Trump makes two more trips to Mar-a-Lago in December, his 2025 golf costs would surpass $75 million, putting his total for the term over $300 million, the outlet said.
During his first term, Trump spent $151.5 million in taxpayer-funded golf travel and security.
Besides Mar-a-Lago, Trump made nine trips to his Bedminster, NJ, golf resort about $1.1 million each, and one trip to his new Aberdeen, Scotland course, costing nearly $10 million in taxpayer funds.
HuffPost’s analysis relies on cost estimates from a 2019 Government Accountability Office report on Trump’s first–term Mar-a-Lago trips. Most of the costs come from military and law enforcement salaries, which haven’t kept up with inflation, so the figures aren’t adjusted to current dollars.
Still, the real costs are almost certainly higher than these unadjusted estimates.
The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.
Trump’s known passion for the game is so widely recognized that foreign leaders have brought him 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 once used by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
In May, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa brought golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen to the White House in an attempt to ease tensions.
Trump has also used golf as a tool for influence and relationship-building. Politicians and world leaders, from Finnish President Alexander Stubb to US Senator Lindsey Graham, have played rounds with him, seeking to win favor or maintain alliances.
Trump’s latest health report also cited his frequent golfing as proof of his physical fitness, framing it as part of an active lifestyle.
At the same time, Trump’s frequent golfing has drawn scrutiny, with a book by former caddies claiming he uses various methods to gain an edge.
