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Fact check: What is the estimated cost of Secret Service protection for Trump's golf trips?

Checked on September 9, 2025

1. Summary of the results

The estimated cost of Secret Service protection for Trump's golf trips is a subject of various analyses, with some sources providing specific breakdowns of the costs [1] [2]. According to one source, the cost of Trump's trips to Mar-a-Lago is estimated at $1 million per trip, with $250,000 attributed to Secret Service costs [1]. Another source reports that the Secret Service has allocated over $600,000 for golf cart rentals and portable toilets at Trump's Bedminster club, with a contract for golf cart rentals worth up to $550,930 and portable restrooms worth up to $80,385 [2]. Additionally, some sources state that Donald Trump's golfing expenses have reached $71 million, with taxpayers covering Secret Service costs, including over $600,000 for golf carts and portable toilets at his Bedminster club [3]. Key points to note are the specific costs associated with Secret Service protection, such as golf cart rentals and portable toilets, as well as the overall estimated costs of Trump's golf trips.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some sources do not provide a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with Secret Service protection for Trump's golf trips [3]. Furthermore, the analyses primarily focus on the costs of specific trips or expenses, such as golf cart rentals and portable toilets, but do not provide a comprehensive overview of the total costs of Secret Service protection for all of Trump's golf trips [1] [2]. Alternative viewpoints may include considering the costs of Secret Service protection in the context of overall presidential travel expenses, which could provide a more nuanced understanding of the issue [1]. It is also important to consider the potential benefits of Secret Service protection, such as ensuring the safety of the President and his family, when evaluating the costs. The sources cited primarily benefit the public's understanding of the financial implications of presidential travel and Secret Service protection, while also potentially benefiting fact-checking initiatives and journalistic investigations [1] [2] [3].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement does not provide specific details about the estimated cost of Secret Service protection for Trump's golf trips, which may lead to misinformation or speculation about the actual costs. Some sources may be perceived as having a bias against Trump or his administration, as they highlight the high costs of Secret Service protection for his golf trips [2] [3]. On the other hand, sources that provide more general information about presidential travel expenses may be seen as more neutral or factual [1]. It is essential to consider the potential biases and motivations of the sources when evaluating the information. The sources that benefit from this framing are likely those that seek to criticize or scrutinize Trump's administration, while sources that provide more balanced or neutral information may benefit from a more comprehensive understanding of the issue [1] [2] [3].

Want to dive deeper?
How much does the Secret Service spend on protection per trip for former presidents?
What is the annual budget for Secret Service protection of the Trump family?
Do other former US presidents receive similar levels of Secret Service protection for personal activities?
How does the cost of Secret Service protection for Trump's golf trips compare to other presidential security expenses?
Are there any congressional oversight or reviews of Secret Service expenditures for Trump's golf trips?