White House Angrily Criticizes Golf Author Revealing Trump’s Cheating
The White House has responded sharply to accusations made by golf author Rick Reilly regarding Donald Trump’s behavior on the golf course. Reilly, known for his criticism of the former president’s golfing skills, referenced comments made by Senator Lindsey Graham about Trump’s alleged cheating during a recent interview.
Accusations Against Trump
In his book, *Commander in Cheat*, Reilly describes Trump’s questionable golfing practices. Reilly quoted Graham, who stated under oath, “You may outdrive him, but you can’t outdrive his caddy.” This statement implies that Trump receives outside help during games, further casting doubt on his golfing integrity.
During a 2024 interview with MSNBC, Reilly elaborated on Trump’s alleged cheating tactics. He claimed that Trump always uses a faster golf cart, allowing him to be ahead and giving him ample opportunity to cheat on the course.
Senator Lindsey Graham’s Testimony
Graham’s testimony was sourced from a 2022 grand jury, highlighting concerns about Trump’s authenticity as a golfer. Published by *The New York Times*, the transcripts provide substantial evidence supporting Reilly’s claims. This scrutiny has intensified the public debate surrounding Trump’s golf abilities.
White House Response
Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, reacted strongly to Reilly’s assertions. He criticized Reilly, stating, “Rick fantasizes about having a golf game as good as President Trump.” Cheung suggested that Reilly suffers from “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and should focus on improving his own golf game instead of criticizing the president.
Trump’s Golfing Habits
Trump has been known for his avid golfing, playing an average of one round every 5.6 days during his presidency. Approximately 24.9% of his second term was spent on the golf course, totaling 90 days of golf out of 362 days in office. Despite his claims of winning numerous club championships, many experts, including golf coaches, have questioned the validity of these assertions.
- Average rounds of golf played: 1 per 5.6 days
- Total days spent golfing in second term: 90
- Percentage of term spent golfing: 24.9%
Coaches have noted issues in Trump’s golfing technique. Coach Craig Normansell commented that while Trump can strike the ball, his short game lacks sophistication, leading many to doubt his championship claims.
Continuing Controversy
Reilly has consistently brought attention to Trump’s purported indiscretions on the golf course. He recently shared footage suggesting that one of Trump’s caddies dropped a ball for him to hit, an act that contravenes the rules of the game. Reilly emphasized, “It’s NEVER legal for your caddie to drop a ball.”
This ongoing controversy not only highlights the contentious nature of Trump’s presidency but also his reputation within the golfing community. As the dialogue evolves, both critics and supporters will continue to scrutinize Trump’s claims and behaviors.
