West Palm Beach, August 31, 2025
News Summary
A golf footprint spanning multiple countries is causing a stir as high-profile golf outings and a proposed resort deal in Vietnam raise questions about health, influence, and cost. While the golf habits have reportedly cost taxpayers over $120 million, the connection between politics and golf continues to captivate fans and critics. The scrutiny into health speculations and potential conflicts of interest surrounding a Vietnamese golf resort adds to the complex narrative entwined between passion for the game and public accountability.
West Palm Beach — Golf swings, health whispers and a resort deal stirring debate
In the world where fairways meet headlines, one figure’s globe-spanning golf footprint and a foreign resort plan have combined to keep fans and critics talking. From Florida winters to summer set-ups, the itinerary includes private rounds, high-profile guests and a growing chorus of questions about money, health and influence.
Big tee times: the global golf map
The golf footprint spans several countries. Domestically there are 11 golf courses in the United States, complemented by international properties that include one in Ireland, two in Scotland, and single courses in the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia. Two U.S. clubs sit close to a famous winter residence in West Palm Beach, and another notable club is roughly 20 miles from the White House. Bedford-style summers were often spent at a New Jersey golf club frequently called the Summer White House.
How often did the golf trips happen?
During the first presidential term that began in 2017, time on the course was notable. Reported visits to golf properties or rounds played totaled 369 times. That breaks down to about 91 visits in 2017, and 76 in 2018. At one point, the pace suggested a hypothetical tally of over 650 visits in an eight-year stretch. Later events — a global pandemic and a heated 2020 election campaign — dialed back outings toward the end of the first term. In a second term so far, there have been 57 reported outings.
Who swung with him?
The rounds weren’t just leisure play. Notable figures from politics and athletics joined on various occasions, sometimes for social, political or diplomatic reasons. There were also times a course was visited without an actual round — for events, short stops or high-visibility appearances, and even attendance at a LIV Golf event where no play took place.
Price tag: what did taxpayers cover?
The public cost tied to these golf habits has been a focal point. Reported total expenses tied to golf rounds exceeded $120 million, while protective details incurred at least $765,000 on golf cart rentals. Overnight stays at private properties topped $500,000. Those numbers are part of why visits to family-owned or associated courses triggered scrutiny about the line between private business and public office travel.
On the course — skills and style
Skill claims include a reported USGA handicap index of under 5, although the accuracy of that number is debated because of limited formal scores being entered into official systems. On-course behavior also drew attention: accusations ranged from questionable etiquette like driving on putting greens to murkier claims of rule-bending. Golfers and club regulars often have strong opinions when etiquette meets celebrity.
Health chatter: bruises, a diagnosis, and public calm
When public appearances became less frequent, speculation about health accelerated. Published photos that showed bruising on a hand sparked questions, and a medical note surfaced that included a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, a condition common in older adults. Public reassurances were issued by a vice president identified as Vance who stated readiness and good health, attempting to quiet rumors and keep attention on duties rather than diagnoses.
From tees to treaties: the Vietnam resort controversy
Overseas, attention landed on a proposed golf resort project in Vietnam backed by the same business interests. Reports from local areas indicated people selling land in some expropriation episodes received between $12 and $30 per square meter, which many locals and observers judged inadequate. Vietnamese officials framed the project as an important step for trade relations with the United States, emphasizing job creation and economic benefits for nearby communities. Meanwhile, critics raised concerns that this business activity could create conflicts with public office responsibilities.
Official answers and lingering doubts
The White House dismissed conflict-of-interest claims, pointing to the fact that assets are held in a trust managed by family members. That administrative explanation has not fully settled public debate, since the optics of frequent visits to owned or associated clubs while in office continues to feed news cycles and discussions among golf fans, ethics watchers and the general public.
What this means for golf lovers and observers
For golf fans, the tale is both a play-by-play of course use and a cautionary note about how sport, power and business can overlap. Enthusiasts will keep watching pace of play, handicap claims and the etiquette stories — and off the course, how resort deals affect communities and cross-border relations. Whether you’re following for the game or the headlines, this story sits at the intersection of private fairways and public accountability.
FAQ
How many golf courses are involved?
The portfolio includes 11 courses in the United States and five abroad: one in Ireland, two in Scotland, one in the United Arab Emirates, and one in Indonesia.
How often was golf played while in the first term?
Reported visits to golf properties or rounds played in the first term totaled 369 times, with 91 visits in 2017 and 76 in 2018.
Did taxpayers pay for these trips?
Yes. Reported public costs related to golf activities exceeded $120 million in aggregate, with specific expenditures such as at least $765,000 for golf cart rentals and over $500,000 for overnight stays at related properties.
Is there a conflict of interest with a Vietnam resort project?
Claims of conflict of interest have been raised because business-backed projects overseas could intersect with diplomatic and trade considerations. The White House has dismissed those claims, noting assets are held in a trust managed by family members, while local and international scrutiny continues.
Were there health concerns?
Health speculation grew after fewer public appearances and visible bruising; a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency was reported, and a vice president named Vance publicly affirmed good health and readiness to serve.
Quick reference table
| Topic | Key Figures / Notes |
|---|---|
| U.S. golf courses | 11 courses |
| International courses | 1 Ireland, 2 Scotland, 1 UAE, 1 Indonesia |
| First-term golf visits | 369 total visits (91 in 2017; 76 in 2018) |
| Second-term outings to date | 57 outings |
| Reported taxpayer costs | Over $120 million (plus $765,000 on cart rentals; $500,000+ on stays) |
| Vietnam land compensation reported | $12–$30 per square meter in some local cases |
| Health notes | Chronic venous insufficiency reported; public reassurance issued |
For golf fans who like the inside track: watch course calendars, etiquette debates and how international projects evolve. The game here is about more than birdies and bogeys — it’s about transparency, public cost and how much the clubhouse doors overlap with the corridors of power.
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Additional Resources
- AOL: Trump dispels health rumors
- Wikipedia: Golf
- The Guardian: Farmers displaced by Trump golf course
- Google Search: Trump golf course controversy
- BBC News: Latest updates on Trump golf course news
- Google Scholar: Trump golf course ethics
- Reuters: Vietnamese farmers displaced by Trump golf club
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Trump golf course
- The Guardian: Trump and the homeless at golf course
- Google News: Trump golf course Vietnam
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BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
