By John Q. Hosedrinker 
As a government shutdown leaves over 750,000 federal workers furloughed or working without pay, President Trump was observed at Trump National Golf Club in Virginia. This comes amidst a deadlock between Republicans and Democrats over funding issues. Critics have raised concerns that the administration may leverage the shutdown to cut back the federal bureaucracy, especially since this is not the first time Trump has engaged in leisure activities during moments of national crisis. With a total of 64 days spent golfing since his inauguration in January, it has reportedly cost taxpayers $89.6 million.
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Trump casually golfs his way through yet another national crisis, and it’s hard not to feel a certain sense of… well, déjà vu. Here we are again, with the country facing a significant challenge, and the President seemingly content to spend his Saturday on the green. The optics are terrible, of course, especially when juxtaposed with the fact that his administration is in full damage control mode, frantically pointing fingers at Democrats and laying the blame for the government shutdown squarely at their feet. Meanwhile, an estimated three-quarters of a million federal workers are either furloughed or working without pay. You can’t help but wonder how this plays with the public, and what message it sends to those impacted.
The timing is particularly egregious. As government employees struggle to make ends meet, the President is reportedly enjoying a leisurely round of golf, a pastime that has become all too familiar during his time in office. The contrast is jarring and highlights a perceived detachment from the very real struggles of everyday Americans. It’s a pattern we’ve seen before, and the response from many is predictable: outrage, frustration, and a sense of disbelief that this is how the country is being led.
The administration’s strategy, according to reports, involves a no-holds-barred approach, throwing everything they can at the Democrats in an attempt to shift the narrative and maintain their grip on power. This kind of political maneuvering, while perhaps understandable in the cutthroat world of Washington, can be difficult to stomach when it’s happening alongside the very human cost of a government shutdown. The fact that he is golfing while this is occurring is what really rubs people the wrong way. The people impacted deserve to see that he cares, or at least shows the appearance of it.
The criticisms are varied, but the core message remains consistent: the President seems more interested in his own personal comforts and leisure than in addressing the pressing issues facing the nation. This behavior is considered self-centered, and the perception is that he doesn’t care about the people who are impacted by this shutdown, or perhaps even the nation as a whole. Some suggest that he views the presidency more as a title than a responsibility, and the golf course is his chosen escape from the pressures of the job.
The shutdown itself has led to all sorts of disruptions and financial hardship for federal employees and their families. These are people who are relied upon to keep the wheels of government turning, and they are being denied their paychecks. There are concerns about the impact on national security, public safety, and the economy, and yet the President is apparently unconcerned, and content to play golf.
Of course, this is not the first time the President has faced criticism for his golfing habits. Throughout his presidency, the golf course has served as a backdrop for numerous controversies. Critics have questioned the cost of these outings, both in terms of taxpayer money and the potential for conflicts of interest. There have been questions about who he golfs with, and whether these interactions might have an impact on his decision-making.
It also seems to be a consistent theme that his supporters, whatever their views on the specific issues, are often quick to defend his actions. This can be bewildering to those on the outside who feel that the President’s behavior is simply unacceptable. It’s hard to understand why someone would defend a president who seemingly prioritizes recreation over his duties. The idea that he would golf while a national crisis is unfolding is simply beyond the pale.
There are suggestions that the President is not only out golfing, but that he is actively working to shift the focus of the situation. The administration is accused of trying to control the narrative, and of avoiding accountability for the shutdown. If this is the case, then it further emphasizes the contrast between the President’s actions and the needs of the American people. It’s a situation that leaves many feeling frustrated and disillusioned.
The issue is also compounded by the perception that there is little effort to reach a compromise and end the shutdown. It’s a stalemate, with both sides digging in their heels. The president is apparently unwilling to negotiate, and continues to spend millions in taxpayer money to golf. And the longer this goes on, the more damage will be done to the country. The contrast between these events and the President’s behavior is stark and unseemly.