Texas Representative Critiques Trump’s Golfing Expenses

News Summary

During a DOGE subcommittee hearing on April 8, Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett highlighted the financial burden of President Trump’s golf trips, which have cost taxpayers $26 million. Crockett criticized the lack of tangible returns from these expenses, addressing concerns about budget cuts leading to federal job losses. The discussion raised questions about priorities, revealing an estimated golf budget of $30 million for the year, while critics accused Trump of hypocrisy for prioritizing leisure over memorials for fallen soldiers.

Texas Representative Takes Aim at Trump’s Golfing Costs

In a recently held DOGE subcommittee hearing, Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett brought the spotlight to a subject that has been a hot topic around dinner tables and social media alike—President Donald Trump’s golf trips. As the hearing unfolded on April 8, she emphasized the significant financial burden these excursions pose to taxpayers.

Tax Dollars on the Fairway?

It’s been revealed that, as of the end of March, taxpayers have shelled out an eye-popping $26 million for Trump’s golf outings. Many were left scratching their heads as Crockett pointed out that citizens aren’t receiving any tangible returns from this expense. This came on the heels of Trump’s recent golf weekend in Miami and at Mar-a-Lago.

Digging deeper into the details, a typical weekend golf trip for Trump is estimated to hit around $3.4 million, but the April 3 to April 4 jaunt racked up even more significant costs, coming in at an astonishing $4.2 million. This marked his 20th golfing day since taking office, making up 27% of his second term thus far.

Golfing Over Memorials?

Critics have taken issue with the timing of Trump’s trips, especially considering that he opted to indulge in leisure activities rather than paying respects at the dignity transfer of four U.S. Army soldiers killed in Lithuania. Such choices have led to accusations of hypocrisy, particularly when juxtaposed with his proposed plans to sell government buildings—a move that many see as misguided.

In her remarks, Crockett also mentioned that around 10,000 federal jobs have been lost due to budget cuts associated with the DOGE. The ongoing trend of cutting federal positions was underscored by recent job loss data from February and March.

A Glimpse into the Budget

When examining Trump’s plans and expenditures, several analyses suggest that the administration’s golf budget of $30 million for the year could have protected approximately 280 federal jobs, especially when factoring in the average salary of federal employees. This raises eyebrows about how taxpayer money is being allocated, particularly as Trump’s properties see an influx of government dollars.

Trump Properties Benefit

The expenses associated with Trump’s golf trips often pay indirectly into his own pocket, with reports indicating that various government agencies have been billed high rates when staying at Trump properties. In some instances, the Secret Service has been charged as much as 300% above the authorized fees, raising eyebrows about the propriety of such arrangements.

Golfing Around the World

During his first term, Trump was busy playing golf, visiting his properties a staggering 547 times. This includes 145 trips to Mar-a-Lago and 328 visits to different golf courses. The Government Accountability Office has reported that travel expenses for these trips tallied around $13.6 million, averaging $3.4 million per visit.

Heightened Security Measures

It’s essential to note that the frequent golf trips come at the expense of heightened security measures. All these trips demand additional resources, not just from federal agencies but also local law enforcement and the Coast Guard, leading to overall increased costs.

A Message to His Opponents?

Critics argue that Trump’s repeated visits to his own golf courses send a not-so-subtle message to foreign leaders and lobbyists that these properties are flourishing and open for business. Indeed, during his first term, his businesses are reported to have received nearly $7.8 million from at least 20 foreign governments.

A Passion for Golf?

Despite having claimed in the past that he wouldn’t have time for golfing while serving as president, Trump’s love for the game has become well-documented. With over 16 golf courses around the world in his name, it’s clear that golf remains a significant part of his life.

Comparatively speaking, his combined golfing expenses during his current term are already set to exceed the hefty sums spent during his first term, where he reportedly spent a staggering $151.5 million. It’s a pattern that raises many questions about the relationship between leadership, leisure, and taxpayer money—a conversation that, like Trump’s golf game, is unlikely to fade away anytime soon.

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