In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump has already spent over $10 million in taxpayer funds on golf outings since returning to the White House last month. This expenditure has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about government efficiency and potential misuse of public resources. Despite the creation of the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) by executive order on his first day back in office, these significant golf-related costs have not been scrutinized by the high-profile team tasked with identifying wasteful spending. The watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) has highlighted this discrepancy, pointing out that Trump's visits to his own for-profit properties may be diverting government funds into his personal enterprises.

Since January 20, 2025, when Trump resumed his presidency, he has embarked on four consecutive weekend trips to play golf, with nine out of his first 30 days in office spent at his own resorts. These trips, primarily to Mar-a-Lago in West Palm Beach, Florida, come with substantial logistical and security costs. Each visit involves Air Force One flights, transportation of vehicles, and Coast Guard protection, amounting to millions of dollars per trip. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimated that each trip cost around $3.4 million in 2017 dollars, a figure likely higher today due to inflation and increased security measures.

The DOGE, led by Elon Musk's "high-IQ" team, has been vocal about cutting what they deem as wasteful contracts and grants. Yet, these golf excursions have escaped their attention. A search of Musk’s social media platform reveals no mentions of "golf," despite the significant financial impact. This selective focus has drawn criticism from various quarters, with some questioning the integrity and effectiveness of the DOGE. Jordan Libowitz of CREW argues that the administration's definition of corruption and wasteful spending conveniently overlooks expenditures that benefit the president directly.

During his previous term, Trump's golf outings totaled approximately $152 million over four years, involving 293 days at his resorts. In contrast, former President Joe Biden's travel expenses were significantly lower, primarily using Marine One or a smaller Air Force One variant. Critics have noted the stark difference in spending patterns between the two administrations, with Trump's current actions drawing parallels to his earlier tenure.

The ongoing scrutiny surrounding these golf trips highlights a broader debate about the use of public funds for personal leisure activities. As Trump continues his pattern of weekend getaways, questions remain about the long-term implications for government accountability and the principles of efficient governance. The controversy underscores the need for transparency and a more rigorous examination of how taxpayer money is being utilized at the highest levels of government.