President Donald Trump has once again become the center of controversy after visiting his golf clubs a total of 88 times during 2025, the first year of his second term. This figure surpasses his record from the first year of his first term, sparking intense debate over the President’s working style and the allocation of the national budget. This article examines the current status of President Trump’s golf schedule, the associated economic costs, and the White House’s official stance on the matter.
More Frequent Outings Than the First Term: Trump’s 2025 Golf Log
According to media outlets that track the President’s golf outings, Trump visited golf clubs 88 times in 2025. This means he spent approximately one-quarter of the year at a golf course. Monthly statistics show that his activity peaked in August—a prime month for outdoor activities—with 10 visits. Even in December, he maintained a high level of activity, visiting his personal clubs in Florida nine times.
Notably, this count is one day higher than the 87 visits recorded in 2017, the first year of his first term. Despite pushing a heavy policy agenda at the start of his term, his affinity for golf remains unchanged, if not strengthened. After a dip to 47 visits during the 2020 pandemic, the frequency has surged back to its peak with the start of his second term, suggesting that “Golf Politics” remains a core method of communication and relaxation for his administration.
Relaxation or Taxpayer Waste? The $100 Million Security Bill
The primary reason these frequent visits spark controversy is the astronomical cost of security. Based on past analysis by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the estimated cost for President Trump’s golf-related travel and security in 2025 reached approximately $110.6 million. This total includes:
Operating costs for Air Force One.
Lodging and expenses for Secret Service personnel.
Transportation of specialized equipment.
Critics point out that this massive budget is funded by taxpayer dollars. The fact that the figure has already exceeded $100 million—even before the final tally for December is complete—is unprecedented compared to previous presidents. Furthermore, ethical concerns persist regarding conflicts of interest, as a portion of the fees for facilities and services at Trump-owned properties may cycle back into the Trump Organization.
The White House Defense: A 24/7 President and Results-Oriented Leadership
The White House has met these criticisms head-on. The Press Secretary’s office emphasized in an official statement: “The President is working 24/7 to Make America Great Again, regardless of his location.” This framing suggests that golf outings are not mere leisure, but rather a way to recharge for national strategy or an extension of informal political activity.
In practice, President Trump is well known for inviting key politicians and business leaders to join him on the links. The White House points to economic indicators and diplomatic achievements over the past year as evidence of his productivity, arguing that the focus should be on “historical results” rather than the frequency of his breaks. This reflects Trump’s signature results-oriented mindset.
Implications and Outlook for Trump’s “Golf Politics”
The controversy surrounding President Trump’s golf habits is likely to remain a polarizing issue. To his supporters, it represents the “energy of a vigorous leader,” while to his detractors, it signifies “private gain through public office.” With the specific figure of $110.6 million now public, the issue will likely serve as fuel for future budget hearings and political debates.
Whether President Trump will adjust his golfing frequency or maintain his current style for the remainder of his term remains to be seen. However, it is clear that his time on the golf course has become a symbolic indicator of the current American political landscape. As long as taxpayer money is involved, the burden remains on the Trump administration to prove that this time is yielding positive impacts on national governance.