Reactions after new golf photos: “A soulless little shit”

While the war rages in the Middle East and people lose their lives, President Donald Trump spends another weekend on the golf course. He sends the bill to the taxpayers.

In recent weeks, the world has been eagerly following the attack from the United States, Israel against Iran. Over 2000 people have been reported killed since the US-Israeli military actions began just over two weeks ago. 13 American soldiers have lost their lives. (probably there are many, many more)

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But on the golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, everything seems to be peace and harmony.

Donald Trump was spotted on green grass over the weekend – once again. According to the unofficial website DidTrumpGolfToday.com, the president has now played golf 99 of the 422 days he has been back in the White House. That means he spends almost every four days on the golf course.

$138 million – and the bill is rising

The price tag for Trump’s golf consumption is staggering. Since returning to the presidential office in January 2025, the golf excursions have cost U.S. taxpayers an estimated $138.6 million .

The calculations are based on a report from the US Auditor General from 2019, which analyzed the costs of four golf trips during Trump’s first presidential term. Most of the bill goes to security and transportation – flying Air Force One costs about $200,000 an hour. – In addition, when he plays on his own golf courses, the state has to pay, preferably triple the price for his safety, team and staff.

In comparison, Trump spent $151.5 million on golf during his entire first presidential term.

Compared to Bush

Criticism is now pouring in on the president, who lets his golf clubs rest neither in war nor in crisis.

The high-profile sports journalist Rick Reilly, who has previously written for ESPN and Sports Illustrated, did not mince words on social media:

“George Bush stopped playing golf during the Gulf War out of respect for his sons who came home in coffins. Trump starts a war and chugs around in his golf cart while throwing the ball out of the bunkers.”

Reilly’s finish was merciless: “A soulless little shit.”

The comparison with George W. Bush is apt. In 2008, Bush explained to Politico that he gave up golf after the bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad in 2003. He didn’t want a mother who had lost her son in the war to see the commander-in-chief enjoying himself on the green.

Marines in – Trump out

Political opponents have also found their guns.

California Governor Gavin Newsom was harsh in his attack on social media:
“Today, Donald Trump gave the order to send marines to Iran. Tonight he is back at Mar-a-Lago to raise money and play golf. Americans will have war with no end in sight and skyrocketing bills at home. DONALD TRUMP IS A FAILED PRESIDENT!”

Last week, Trump went straight from a ceremony for fallen soldiers – the first six Americans to lose their lives in the Iran war – to Florida to play golf. When the seventh soldier was reported killed, Trump was once again on the scene.

In social media, memes are now abounding of Trump striking out from the top of a flag-draped coffin. Another shows him swinging his club in front of soldiers carrying a coffin with the text “That’s the way it is”.

Defending golf

Trump himself has previously defended his passion. When asked about his golf use during his first presidential term, he replied that it was a form of exercise.

In 2016, during the election campaign, he promised something completely different:
“I love golf, but if I were 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 just want to stay in the White House and work my ass off.”

The promise did not last long. During his first presidential term, he managed 293 rounds of golf.

The White House defends the president’s use of time. Press spokesman Davis Ingle says to The Independent:
“President Trump is working 24/7 to make America great again and make the world a safer place. No one works harder than President Trump, who has delivered a series of historic results in just one year.”

Facts: Golf costs

• Estimated cost year-to-date in the second period: $138.6 million
• Golf days: 99 of 422 days (23.5%)
• First period cost: $151.5 million
• Source: DidTrumpGolfToday.com based on Government Accountability Office report

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