Trump's Golf Habit Costs Taxpayers Over $100 Million

Former president's frequent trips to his own courses raise questions about balance between duty and leisure

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:58pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a solitary golf cart parked under the shade of a palm tree, the scene bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually illustrating the financial burden of the former president's golfing trips on taxpayers.The extravagant cost of the former president's golfing habit raises questions about the balance between duty and leisure in the highest office.West Palm Beach Today

A HuffPost analysis has revealed that former President Donald Trump's golfing habit has cost taxpayers over $100 million since his return to office. Trump has visited his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, 56 times, spending over a quarter of his days on the green. The high cost is not just due to the golf itself, but the extensive security measures required for a presidential visit, with trips to Mar-a-Lago incurring a $3.4 million price tag.

Why it matters

Trump's frequent golfing trips, in contrast to his criticism of his predecessor's more modest golf expenses, raise questions about the balance between presidential duties and personal recreation. The financial burden on taxpayers is significant, especially when compared to the more economical travel choices of President Biden, and highlights the broader issue of leadership accountability when a president's personal interests become a drain on public resources.

The details

Since his return to office, Trump has visited his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, 56 times, spending over a quarter of his days on the green. The high cost of these trips is not solely due to the golf itself but the extensive security measures required for a presidential visit. Trump's trips to Mar-a-Lago, for instance, incur a hefty $3.4 million price tag due to the need to patrol both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. This level of security is a far cry from the more modest arrangements for former President Obama, who often played golf at Joint Base Andrews.

  • Since his return to office, Trump has visited his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, 56 times.
  • Trump's trips to Mar-a-Lago incur a $3.4 million price tag.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president whose golfing habit has cost taxpayers over $100 million.

Barack Obama

The former president who often played golf at Joint Base Andrews, with more modest security arrangements.

Joe Biden

The current president who has used smaller aircraft or helicopters for his travel, in contrast to Trump's use of a modified Boeing 747.

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The takeaway

This situation highlights a broader issue of leadership accountability. When a president's personal interests and expenses become a significant drain on public resources, it's a sign of misplaced priorities. The presidency should be about serving the people, not indulging in lavish hobbies.