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chairman donald trump It reportedly cost about $71 million taxpayer funded costs But golf During his second term, and if his current pace continues, this total could reach $300 million by the end of his term.
according to a huffpost AnalysisTrump’s latest trip, on Wednesday, was his 16th Mar-a-Lago This year, each trip cost $3.4 million in travel and security.
If Trump makes two more trips to Mar-a-Lago in December, he will have 2025 visits golf The outlet said the cost would exceed $75 million, bringing their total costs for the period to more than $300 million.
During his first term, Trump spent $151.5 million on taxpayer-funded golf trips and security.
In addition to Mar-a-Lago, Trump made nine trips to his Bedminster, NJ, golf resort, each of which cost about $1.1 million, and one trip to his new Aberdeen, Scotland course, which cost about $10 million in taxpayer funds.
huffpostThe analysis relies on cost estimates from a 2019 Government Accountability Office report on Trump’s first-term Mar-a-Lago trips. Most of the cost comes from military and law enforcement salaries, which do not keep pace with inflation, so the figures are not adjusted to current dollars.
Nevertheless, the actual costs are almost certainly higher than these unadjusted estimates.
Independent The White House has been contacted for comment.
Trump’s passion for the sport is so widely recognized that foreign leaders have brought him golf-related gifts.
In October, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi gave a gift to 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 Golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goossen were brought to the White House In an attempt to reduce stress.
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 courted him to curry favor or maintain alliances.
Trump’s latest health report also cites his frequent golfing as evidence of his physical fitness, describing it as part of an active lifestyle.
At the same time, Trump’s golfing continues to be scrutinized, with a book by former caddies claiming he uses various methods to gain an edge.
Some caddies reportedly nicknamed him “Pelé” after the Brazilian football legend, joking that he constantly “kicked” the ball.
Mar-a-Lago trips are expensive due to extensive security, including armed boats and Coast Guard patrols, with the biggest expense being Air Force One, which costs $1.1m per four-hour round trip.
Each trip to Bedminster costs $1.1 million because Trump uses a smaller 757 instead of a 747.
By contrast, former President Joe Biden’s trips to Wilmington, Delaware and Rehoboth Beach cost much less than Trump’s golf trips because he used smaller planes or helicopters, as the local airport could not accommodate a 747.
former president barack obama He was also known for his frequent golf outings, but they were much cheaper than Trump’s, as he also used smaller planes or played nearby courses, including the course at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.
Trump has not played golf at that course, but took an aerial tour of it on Marine One on Saturday, which cost taxpayers About $115,000, which is not included in the total of $70.8 million.
Trump famously criticized Obama plays golf again and again At a rally in February 2016, he promised that as president, he would give up visiting his courses in Scotland and South Florida.
Trump said, “I love golf, but if I was 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 never think I’ll see anything. I just want to be in the White House and work hard.”
However, Trump promptly broke that promise, playing golf 293 days at his courses during his first term.