Former President Donald Trump has not played golf since a thwarted assassination attempt near one of his courses on September 15, and he reportedly will not return to the links until after the upcoming election. This decision comes amid heightened concerns for his safety, according to individuals close to his campaign and those familiar with the situation.
In conversations following the September incident, Trump was informed that federal agents could not guarantee his safety to an acceptable degree during his outings. This warning was communicated in two discussions—one with Ronald Rowe, the acting director of the Secret Service, and another with officials from the national intelligence director’s office.
The issue of safety has weighed heavily on Trump’s mind. During a meeting with Rowe last month, he inquired about the safety of golfing in light of the assassination attempt. The response indicated that he would require substantial additional security due to the proximity of his courses to public roads, as reported by The New York Times.
The inability to play golf marks a significant alteration in Trump’s routine. The former president owns 18 golf properties worldwide, including courses in Oman and Dubai. Golf has been a central element of his lifestyle throughout his presidential campaigns and his time in office. During his presidency, Trump spent over 260 days at his golf courses, although his administration typically did not disclose specific details about his golfing activities.
If Trump abstains from golfing until Election Day, it will represent the longest stretch without play since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had previously kept him off the courses for more than two months. Since leaving the White House, Trump has generally played at least once a week. However, the risks associated with his last outing at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 15, led to this unprecedented hiatus.
On that day, a Secret Service agent observed what appeared to be a man lying in wait near the sixth hole, partially concealed in the brush. The individual, later identified as Ryan Routh, fled the scene after the agent fired at him and was apprehended shortly thereafter. Routh has been charged with the attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate and could face life in prison if convicted. He has pleaded not guilty.
This incident marked the second assassination attempt against Trump. The first occurred in July when he was shot in the ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, by a man named Thomas Crooks.
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In response to these threats, the Secret Service has significantly bolstered security measures for both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Increased protection at campaign events now includes the use of bulletproof glass and additional agents, marking a new level of vigilance in response to the recent threats.
Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi stated that the agency does not comment on discussions between the acting director and protectees, referring inquiries to Trump’s campaign. He noted that following the attempted assassination in July, the Secret Service has implemented comprehensive enhancements to its communication capabilities and protective operations. “Today, the former President is receiving heightened protection, and we take the responsibility to ensure his safety and security very seriously,” Guglielmi added.
The Trump campaign has not issued a statement regarding the former president’s current golfing hiatus. Trump has previously emphasized the importance of golf in his life, describing it as his primary form of exercise. In a 2020 tweet, he remarked, “I play VERY fast, get a lot of work done on the golf course, and also get a ‘tiny’ bit of exercise. Not bad!”
His frequent trips to golf properties during his presidency were often highlighted in the media, especially given his criticism of former President Barack Obama for his golfing habits. Trump had claimed during the 2016 campaign that he would not have time to golf while working for the American people. In 2020, he differentiated his golfing style from Obama’s by stating that he played “much faster rounds.”
