The U.S. government spent nearly $30,000 on "immediate" golf cart rentals for Donald Trump's Secret Service during his visit to his golf club in Doonbeg, Ireland. According to government records, this contract included $26,353.47 from taxpayer funds for this deal.
Details of Trump's Trip to Ireland
Donald Trump, who earned nearly $2.2 billion last year, traveled to Doonbeg to watch the final stages of the "Aman" golf tournament in Ireland. Trump himself was transported during this trip in an armored golf cart named "Golf Force One." The rental of golf carts and sometimes portable toilets were part of the costs of this trip, although these supplies are typically sourced from foreign vendors.
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Security and Accommodation Costs
In June 2025, the Secret Service spent over $550,000 in taxpayer funds for golf cart rentals in Bedminster, New Jersey, where another Trump private club is located. This contract was awarded to "Associates Golf Car Service" in Poughkeepsie, New York. However, the costs for golf cart rentals in Doonbeg have not been registered under any third-party supplier.
Since Trump's return to the White House in 2025, his golf trips have cost taxpayers nearly $200 million. This includes security costs, transportation on "Air Force One," food, and accommodation. During his presidency, Trump's golf habits have imposed about $151.5 million in costs on taxpayers.
Reactions to Trump's Trip
A Secret Service spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment on Friday. Trump's recent trip to Ireland began on September 12 in Dublin, where he separately met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and President Catherine Conolly. This trip was accompanied by widespread protests attended by thousands. Trump then went to the "Trump International Golf Links & Hotel" in Doonbeg to attend the final day of the "Irish Open."
During this trip, Trump's Secret Service spent $22,957 on room rentals. These costs contradict a promise made by Eric Trump, who now runs the Trump Organization with his older brother Don Jr., stating that his father's Secret Service agents "would stay for free at our properties."
In fact, reports indicate that Trump charged the Secret Service "much more" than other guests for accommodations. A report presented by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee stated: "Not only does President Trump's hotel typically charge more than the federal government's allowable rates, but the hotel also charges more than hundreds of other guests, including members of a foreign royal family and Chinese business interests."
Trump's presence in Ireland was accompanied by "one of the largest police and security operations" by An Garda Síochána, the national police service of Ireland. In Doonbeg, Trump's presence faced anger from protesters, with about 100 demonstrators coming to the village of 297 residents.
In response to the protests, Trump said, "I am here because Trump is exactly the opposite of everything I believe as a follower of Jesus." Eric Trump also stated that there is more love for his father in the area than hate.
The president, who has involved himself in one of Ireland's sensitive issues, announced upon returning to the United States on September 14 that he would return to Ireland in 2027 to participate in the "Ryder Cup."
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Source: independent.co.uk
