Controversy around trump cheating at golf has reignited after fresh claims surfaced during a July 2025 interview with a former club staffer at one of Trump’s private resorts. The anonymous ex-employee, who worked at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, told reporters that Trump “frequently moved his ball for better lies” and sometimes “claimed to win even when he didn’t complete the hole.”
This isn’t the first time Trump’s golfing habits have drawn criticism. Past claims by sportswriter Rick Reilly and even professional golfers have detailed similar behavior, but the latest allegations are drawing renewed attention due to the credibility of the source—an insider who claims to have witnessed Trump’s play multiple times during high-profile charity tournaments and private rounds with celebrities and political allies.
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Key Points from the Recent Allegation
- Ball Movement: The former caddie stated Trump would kick or reposition his ball when no one was watching, especially near the rough or sand traps.
- Phantom Wins: He would often declare victory before other players finished or without tallying full scores.
- Ignored Rules: Mulligans were reportedly taken often, even on drives, with no penalty strokes accounted for.
- Use of Caddies: Some caddies were allegedly instructed to discreetly adjust Trump’s lie before his turn to swing.
The resurfaced accusations come amid Trump’s ongoing campaign appearances, where he frequently references his love for golf and his prowess on the course. Critics argue that such behavior contradicts the sportsmanship traditionally associated with the game.
Public and Media Reactions
While supporters dismiss the allegations as petty distractions, others see the pattern as part of a larger narrative about Trump’s relationship with rules and fairness. The hashtag #GolfGate began trending on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, with users debating whether these stories matter in the political landscape or are simply tabloid fodder.
Notable figures have also weighed in:
- Rick Reilly, author of Commander in Cheat, tweeted, “Told you all in 2019. Glad someone else is finally backing it up.”
- LPGA pro Sarah Jennings commented in a livestream, “Golf has rules. If you break them, especially knowingly, it says a lot about your character.”
Trump’s Response
As of Monday afternoon, Trump’s spokesperson has not issued an official statement regarding the Bedminster staffer’s remarks. However, in past interviews, Trump has denied ever cheating, claiming instead that he plays “competitive and fair” and wins “because [he’s] good at it.”
The new claims are unlikely to cause legal trouble, but they may further influence public perception, especially among voters who value integrity and fairness—even in something as recreational as golf.
Whether these stories gain lasting traction or fade like earlier ones remains to be seen, but they continue to add a curious footnote to Trump’s unique and often polarizing public image.
What do you think—do these stories matter, or are they just par for the course? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.