President Donald Trump has once again used taxpayer resources to promote his personal business interests, flying Marine One from the White House to his Virginia golf course to speak at a Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf tournament. This trip brings the total taxpayer cost for travel and security for such promotional visits to nearly $18 million during his second term.
Background on LIV Golf Partnerships
Trump's golf courses have partnered with LIV Golf since its inception in 2021. LIV Golf, heavily funded by the Saudi government, is now facing financial difficulties. This is Trump's second taxpayer-funded trip to promote an LIV event since he took office in January 2025.
Cost Breakdown of Trump's Trips
According to a General Accountability Office analysis, a round-trip helicopter flight to Trump's Virginia golf course costs approximately $115,000. The total $17.7 million includes multiple trips: an April 2025 trip to Miami for a LIV tournament dinner costing $2.7 million; a May 2025 Marine One flight for a dinner promoting Trump's meme coins, costing $115,000; a trip to Mar-a-Lago for a meme coin luncheon costing $3.4 million; and a recent trip to Doral for a PGA tournament adding $1.7 million. The most expensive was a $9.7 million trip to Scotland for a golf course opening.
Ethics Concerns Raised
Critics argue that Trump is using his office for personal gain. Jordan Libowitz of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington stated, "With the country at war in the Middle East and Americans facing an affordability crisis, the president is spending time making promotional appearances at his properties." Trump's White House did not respond to queries about taxpayer benefits or reimbursement plans.
In addition to promotional trips, Trump has spent over $100 million in taxpayer money on golf outings at his own courses since returning to office.
