Jaw-dropping amount Donald Trump’s 13 rounds of golf have reportedly cost US taxpayers this year

Since returning to office as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, Donald Trump has reportedly played 13 rounds of golf in just 48 days. These golf outings, often at his own properties, have sparked concerns about the costs to U.S. taxpayers.

Trump, who is known for his love of golf, owns 12 golf courses in the U.S. and several others abroad, including in Scotland, Ireland, and the United Arab Emirates. Since becoming president again, he has played ten rounds at Trump International West Palm Beach in Florida and three rounds at Trump Doral, a luxury resort near Miami. These trips involve significant expenses, such as using Air Force One for travel, security measures like law enforcement patrols, and even explosive-sniffing dogs.

According to reports, Trump’s golf trips have already cost taxpayers millions of dollars. HuffPost estimates that his visits to Florida this year have likely cost over $18 million, based on data from a 2019 government report. This includes transportation, security, and other logistical costs. During his first term, Trump’s frequent golf outings were heavily criticized, with estimates suggesting they cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars. For example, a single weekend trip to Scotland in 2018 reportedly cost over $1 million.

Critics argue that these expenses are excessive, especially when compared to Trump’s publicized donation of his $400,000 presidential salary. Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich pointed out in 2020 that while Trump often highlighted his salary donations, his golf trips had cost taxpayers $141 million by that point. This has led to accusations of hypocrisy and misuse of public funds.

In addition to the financial concerns, Trump’s golf resorts have occasionally been the target of protests. For example, his Turnberry resort in Scotland was recently vandalized by a pro-Palestinian group, which sprayed red paint and the message “Gaza is not for sale” on the property. The resort called the act “childish” and “criminal,” emphasizing its status as a luxury destination.

While some supporters may see Trump’s golfing as a harmless pastime or a way to conduct informal meetings, critics argue that the costs associated with these trips are an unnecessary burden on taxpayers. The debate over presidential expenses, especially for leisure activities, remains a controversial topic in American politics.