By John Q. Hosedrinker 
HuffPost analysis reveals that President Trump’s golf outings have already cost U.S. taxpayers nearly $71 million since returning to office, with projections exceeding $300 million by the end of a second term. These figures, which are likely even higher when accounting for inflation, include expenses for travel and security, particularly for securing Mar-a-Lago. This spending contrasts sharply with the estimated $151.5 million spent during his first term and far surpasses the $90 million spent by President Obama on golf and family vacations over eight years. The president’s past criticisms of Obama’s golf habits further highlight the contrast between his stated promises and actual actions.
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Trump’s golf habit is costing taxpayers a fortune, plain and simple. It’s almost mind-boggling when you stop to think about the sheer scale of the expenses, especially when you consider that he was, at least in his first term, not taking a salary. The numbers thrown around are staggering, and they highlight a significant disconnect between what a president’s role should be and how this one chose to spend his time and, crucially, our money. The idea that a public servant, especially a billionaire, would charge the working class for his leisure is, to put it mildly, galling.
The frequency of these golf trips is also something to consider. Every four or five days? That’s not a president managing the country; that sounds more like someone perpetually in transit to and from the golf course. It’s a stark contrast to the image of a leader diligently working on behalf of the people. And let’s be clear: this isn’t just about the cost of the trips themselves. It’s about the security details, the transportation, the staff, and all the associated expenses that come with a presidential outing. All of this being spent on his properties.
The fact that the money went back into his own pockets is, quite frankly, outrageous. He was essentially profiting from his presidency, using taxpayer dollars to subsidize his own businesses. This creates a clear conflict of interest and raises serious questions about ethics and accountability. It’s not just about wasting money; it’s about a blatant disregard for the public trust. It’s like having an infinite government expense account for one elected person, and the cost of this habit could have funded other vital aspects of the country.
One of the more frustrating aspects of this situation is the apparent double standard. While Trump was quick to criticize others for activities like golfing, the same people who seemed to be most outraged about those activities were often silent when it came to his golf trips, and the money that he was making off of them. It is important to remember what the core of an elected official’s job is supposed to be. The government is not a paid vacation. It’s a job.
Beyond the financial implications, there’s a larger issue at play here: the message this sends. Trump’s actions, from the frequent golf outings to the apparent disregard for the cost to taxpayers, create an atmosphere of entitlement and lack of accountability. It normalizes behavior that, in any other context, would be considered unacceptable. It also reinforces the perception that the powerful are not subject to the same rules as everyone else.
The use of his own properties adds another layer of complexity. While he claimed it saved money, the reality is that it diverted funds to his own businesses. This is more than just bad optics; it’s a direct financial gain derived from his position as president. It’s a blatant abuse of power and a violation of the public trust.
In comparing his golf trips to the expense of other policies or government spending, it’s clear where the priorities were at the time. The contrast is glaring. And, yes, it should’ve been grounds for immediate impeachment. The constant focus on personal enrichment at the expense of public good erodes the very foundations of democracy.
In conclusion, it’s hard to look at Trump’s golf habit without seeing a pattern of financial waste, ethical breaches, and a fundamental misunderstanding of the responsibilities of a president. It’s a costly habit, not just in terms of dollars and cents, but also in terms of the damage it inflicts on the public’s trust in government and the values of the office of president.