Since taking office, President Donald Trump has spent a significant amount of time on the golf course. In fact, some critics say he’s spent nearly as much time golfing as he has in the Oval Office. According to a report from HuffPost, Trump’s second term has seen a major increase in taxpayer-funded golf trips. These trips have cost the American public more than 26 million dollars so far.
Trump has reportedly spent 18 days at his golf properties during this term alone. Fourteen of those days were at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. That location is not just a favorite getaway for the president but also brings in revenue for his private business, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
Each trip comes with a high price tag. Flying Air Force One costs thousands of dollars per hour. On top of that, there are expenses for the presidential motorcade, Secret Service protection, and extra security equipment. All of these costs are paid for with taxpayer money.
Many people are now questioning how these trips affect the federal budget and whether it’s appropriate for the president to spend so much time at his own properties while in office.