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Fact check: How does Trump's golf schedule compare to other presidents since World War II?

Checked on June 20, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, Donald Trump's golf schedule significantly exceeded that of other presidents since World War II. The data reveals that Trump spent 307 days golfing during his presidency, which is described as "likely to be the most golf outings of any president in history" [1]. More recent reporting indicates even higher numbers, with Trump spending 428 days playing golf during his first presidential term [2].

The frequency of Trump's golf activities was particularly notable during his early presidency. He spent 7 out of 29 days in office playing golf, representing nearly a quarter of his time at the White House [2]. During his first 100 days in office, Trump spent parts of 40 days on his personal properties, including golf courses, and utilized 12 of 14 weekends at one of his own properties, often at Mar-a-Lago [3].

The financial impact of these golf outings was substantial, with estimates showing that Trump's golf trips cost taxpayers over $18 million [4]. This represents a significant expense compared to previous presidents' recreational activities.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses reveal several important contextual elements missing from a simple comparison:

  • Historical precedent: While the sources establish that Trump likely holds the record for most presidential golf outings, they lack specific comparative data showing exact numbers for other presidents since World War II (p2_s1 mentions "a long history" of golf in the White House but doesn't provide detailed comparisons).
  • Business interests: A crucial factor distinguishing Trump from other presidents is that he frequently played at his own golf properties [3] [4], creating a unique situation where taxpayer money for presidential security and travel directly benefited Trump's business enterprises.
  • Timing and criticism: The analyses show that Trump's golf activities often coincided with significant national events, leading to criticism for "prioritizing leisure activities over official duties" [4] and facing backlash while "stock market plummets" [5].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question appears neutral and factual in nature, seeking a legitimate comparison. However, the analyses reveal potential areas where incomplete information could lead to misunderstanding:

  • Incomplete financial disclosure: The question doesn't address the unique aspect that Trump's golf activities directly enriched his personal business interests through government payments for security and accommodations at his properties [3] [4].
  • Missing opportunity cost context: The analyses suggest criticism regarding Trump's golf schedule during times of economic turmoil and military obligations [6] [5], which wouldn't be captured in a simple numerical comparison.
  • Lack of recent context: Some analyses note Trump's recent complaints about "not playing golf for 3 weeks" due to his busy schedule [7], suggesting the pattern may have continued or evolved beyond his presidency.

The question itself doesn't appear to contain misinformation, but a complete answer requires acknowledging both the unprecedented frequency of Trump's golf activities and the unique financial and ethical dimensions that distinguished his recreational schedule from previous presidents.

Want to dive deeper?
How many days did Trump spend on golf courses during his presidency?
Which president since World War II spent the most time playing golf?
How does Obama's golf schedule compare to Trump's?
What is the estimated cost of presidential golf outings to taxpayers?
Did Trump's golf schedule impact his policy decisions or diplomatic meetings?