By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Trump’s golfing expenses have surpassed $26 million since the start of his second term, exceeding $20 million more quickly than during his first term. This cost includes Air Force One travel, military transportation of his motorcade, and extensive security measures like marine patrols and bomb-sniffing dogs. The expenses are based on a 2019 Government Accountability Office report, which calculated the cost per trip in 2017 dollars; the actual cost is likely significantly higher. This substantial expenditure contrasts sharply with the president’s repeated claims of reducing government waste.
Read the original article here
Donald Trump’s new golf tab for taxpayers hits an incredible milestone, surpassing $20 million and currently exceeding $26 million since he took office. This staggering figure represents taxpayer money spent on his golfing excursions, effectively using public funds to subsidize his personal pastime. The sheer magnitude of this expense is shocking, especially considering the numerous other pressing needs within the country.
This exorbitant spending raises serious questions about the appropriate use of taxpayer money. The argument that Trump doesn’t receive a presidential salary is entirely beside the point; the overall cost of maintaining his presidency, factoring in these lavish golfing trips and frequent use of Air Force One for personal purposes (including transporting friends like Elon Musk), far surpasses that of any previous president. The image of a feeble old man enjoying this extravagance while many Americans struggle with food insecurity is particularly jarring.
The implications of this financial outlay extend beyond simple wastefulness. It brings to mind historical parallels like Marie Antoinette’s excessive spending, leading to a stark disconnect between the ruling class and the populace. This level of expenditure could have been used to alleviate the food insecurity impacting many American citizens, a stark contrast to the president’s self-indulgent habits. The perception of waste, fraud, and abuse is palpable, leading many to question the ethical implications of this behavior.
Many express outrage at the lack of transparency surrounding these trips, and the potential for self-dealing through the use of Trump’s own resorts. The Secret Service lodging at his properties significantly inflates the overall cost, funneling more taxpayer money directly into his businesses. The casual manner in which these funds seem to be spent underscores the lack of accountability and the need for stricter financial controls. The sheer volume of money involved also fuels suspicions of potential financial crimes.
The irony is not lost on many that a president who campaigned on reducing “waste, fraud, and abuse” is personally responsible for such extravagant and seemingly wasteful spending. The notion of “leading by example” seems utterly absent from this picture. The sheer cost—estimated at potentially reaching a billion dollars by the end of his term if this trend continues—is enough to trigger alarm bells. The fact that the money is spent on a personal luxury rather than national priorities further emphasizes the ethical lapse.
The lack of records surrounding the financial aspects of these trips further compounds the concern. The absence of transparency and accountability leaves taxpayers in the dark, unable to fully comprehend the extent and specifics of these expenses. The issue goes beyond simple accounting; it touches on fundamental questions of governance and the responsible use of public funds. The call for greater transparency and a comprehensive accounting of these expenses is loud and clear.
Proponents suggest alternative approaches, such as using more budget-friendly options, like military golf courses, for the president’s golfing needs. If he insists on utilizing his own resorts, he should personally bear any additional costs associated with such choices. The use of virtual golf simulators is also suggested as a way to satisfy his passion while mitigating the financial burden on taxpayers.
In conclusion, Donald Trump’s golfing tab for taxpayers has reached a truly astonishing level, far exceeding any reasonable expectation of presidential expenditure. The ethical, financial, and political implications of this spending are profound, raising crucial questions about accountability, transparency, and the responsible stewardship of public funds. The milestone reached is not merely a financial one but a symbolic indicator of a larger issue of public trust and the misuse of power. The current trend and lack of restraint strongly suggest that this incredible milestone is just the beginning of an even more significant and costly problem.