Trump cheating at golf is once again causing public frenzy, after a new video surfaced on July 27, 2025, showing the former president allegedly gaining an unfair advantage at his iconic Turnberry course in Scotland. In the aftermath, social media has been abuzz, reigniting debates about Trump’s sportsmanship and conduct on the fairway.
Clips widely shared on X (formerly Twitter) show Trump arriving at a bunker in his golf cart, trailed by his son Eric and US Ambassador Warren Stephens. A caddie in a red vest is clearly visible tossing a ball from the rough onto a kinder patch of grass, just as Trump prepares to take his shot. This moment quickly caught the eye of commentators, with many suggesting it’s not only a breach of the USGA rules but fits a pattern noted in past allegations stretching back several years.
What the Viral Video Shows
- The caddie is seen subtly dropping a ball near the fairway.
- Trump walks directly to the newly placed ball, apparently readying for his next shot.
- The ball was “moved” from a difficult lie and placed in a more favorable position.
- No visible reaction or correction from Trump, his caddie, or playing partners.
Online users reacted sharply, with phrases like “commander in cheat” trending and comparisons drawn to infamous moments from Trump’s previous games. Critics pointed to Trump’s own storied golf club victories and long list of alleged infractions chronicled in Rick Reilly’s book, Commander in Cheat—which claims Trump has “a well-documented history of bending the rules, moving his golf ball, and exaggerating his scores”.
Reactions and History of Alleged Cheating
- Social media swiftly called out the behavior as blatant cheating.
- Sports journalist Rick Reilly recirculated his view that Trump is “the worst cheat ever” to play the game, citing similar behavior in both casual and competitive rounds.
- Even as some dismissed it as “just a friendly game,” others argued that golf’s standards are self-policing and dishonesty, even in a casual context, reflects poorly on the spirit of the game.
- Trump supporters pushed back, saying the criticism is overblown and lacks context.
USGA Golf Rules on Ball Drops (For Context)
| Standard Rule | What Happened in Video | Violation? |
|---|---|---|
| Ball must be dropped by player | Dropped by caddie | Yes |
| Dropped from knee height | Dropped from hand/waist | Yes |
| Ball dropped in relief area | Placed advantageously | Yes |
Has Trump Responded?
As of publication, neither Trump nor his spokespersons have commented on the recent video. The White House has also steered clear of issuing any statements about the latest round of alleged cheating. While some critics shrug off the incident as another lighthearted moment in Trump’s years-long feud with the rules of golf, for many—and especially in the eyes of golf purists—it’s further proof of a disregard for fair play.
Golfers, fans, and critics alike remain divided. Is it harmless fun or evidence of a competitive streak that can’t resist bending the rules? One thing is clear: whenever Trump steps onto the course, the cameras—and the controversy—are never far behind.
Are these cheating allegations just par for the course or do they reveal something deeper? Drop your thoughts in the comments and join the debate!