Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly been banned from playing golf by the Secret Service. The agents are worried they cannot protect him well enough on wide-open golf courses after two serious attempts on his life this year. Trump, who loves golf, has not played since September and may not return to the fairways until after the upcoming U.S. presidential election on November 5.
Why Has Trump Been Stopped from Playing Golf?
Donald Trump, 78, is a passionate golfer and owns 18 golf courses around the world. He usually plays at least once a week and has a very impressive golf handicap of 2.8. However, after recent assassination attempts, the Secret Service decided it’s too risky for him to play. Golf courses are vast and open, which makes it hard for agents to protect him from any threats.
One incident occurred at the Trump International Golf Club when a suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was seen scouting the area with a rifle. Secret Service agents intervened, and Routh was later arrested. This event raised serious safety concerns.
A Major Change for Trump
Being forced to avoid golf is a big deal for Trump. Since leaving the White House in 2021, he has been playing golf regularly. Even during his presidency, he played around 261 rounds of golf to stay active and relax. If Trump sticks to the ban, this will be his longest break from the sport since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reports suggest that Trump has discussed the matter with Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe and other officials. However, safety remains the top priority.
The Tight Presidential Race
Trump is currently running against Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. According to polls, Harris has a slight lead of 2.5% nationally. However, the results in swing states are so close that the election is considered too difficult to predict.
Trump has often blamed the rising tensions in the country on his political opponents. He believes the heated political climate has led to these assassination attempts.
Trump’s Defiant Stand After the Attacks
Despite the dangers, Trump remains determined. Recently, he returned to Pennsylvania, where he was almost killed in July. A sniper’s bullet grazed his ear during a campaign rally. Trump stood behind a bulletproof screen and addressed his supporters, joined by his friend, billionaire Elon Musk.
In his speech, Trump vowed to keep fighting, saying, “We have pushed onward together. And right here in Pennsylvania, we have bled together. We fought for what we believe in.” He also credited divine intervention for his survival.
Trump added: “A cold-blooded assassin aimed to silence me and the greatest movement. But by the grace of God, he failed.”
What’s Next for Trump?
With the election day approaching, Trump is expected to focus on his campaign while staying under tight security. For now, his golf clubs will remain unused as he works on winning back the presidency.
FAQs
1. Why has Trump been banned from playing golf?
The Secret Service believes they cannot protect him well on open golf courses after two assassination attempts.
2. How often did Trump play golf before the ban?
Trump played golf at least once a week after leaving the White House and 261 rounds during his presidency.
3. Who made the decision to stop Trump from playing golf?
The Secret Service, led by Ronald Rowe, decided it was too risky for Trump to play golf at this time.
4. What happened during the assassination attempts?
In one incident, a suspect was caught near a golf course with a rifle. Earlier, a sniper’s bullet grazed Trump’s ear at a rally in Pennsylvania.
5. Is Trump still running for president?
Yes, Trump is running for president against Vice President Kamala Harris, and the race is extremely close.
