Trump’s penchant for golfing has always raised security concerns, particularly due to the open and vast spaces that golf courses offer, alarming the Secret Service in the process.
The recent suspected assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at his South Florida golf club on Sunday has heightened the suspicions of security experts who believe that Trump’s avid golfing habit may have made him more vulnerable to such incidents.
While most US presidents have indulged in the sport of golf, it is Trump’s frequency and regularity in hitting the links that have been sources of worry for security personnel over the years. Journalists and other observers have frequently spotted the former president outside his country clubs, seemingly unconstrained by the Secret Service agents assigned to protect him.
The incident that unfolded at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach on Sunday, where a Secret Service agent spotted a shooter with a rifle over the fence and took action by firing at him before he fled the scene, served as a wake-up call for many. The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was subsequently charged with federal firearms offenses on Monday. Fortunately, Trump was unharmed, as he was golfing 300-500 yards away from where the incident occurred.
The dilemma posed by Trump’s love of golf for his security team has been starkly evident. Retired Secret Service officers and security experts have issued warnings about the challenges involved in securing outdoor events that last for several hours and take place within the vast expanse of a golf course. Paul Eckloff, Trump’s assistant detail commander and a former Secret Service agent, highlighted the inherent difficulties in providing security for a golfer surrounded by such open spaces.
While golf is a common leisure activity for American presidents, Trump’s deep-seated affection for the sport has made his golf outings more predictable and potentially riskier. Over the past eight years, Trump’s inclination towards golfing has been a recurrent issue that preoccupies those tasked with ensuring his safety. Mike Olson, a former 21-year Secret Service veteran who served as a senior special agent on then-Vice President Dick Cheney’s detail, emphasized the pattern of Trump’s behavior when it comes to golfing.
One of the main concerns surrounding Trump’s golfing escapades is the nature of golf courses themselves. Jillian Snider, the policy director of the R Street Institute and a former NYPD officer, underscored the open and expansive layouts of golf courses that could pose significant challenges for security agents. While the lack of buildings or structures on the course may limit potential hiding spots for an assailant, it could also provide a clear line of sight for a skilled shooter targeting the President.
Securing Trump’s country clubs and other properties has long been a priority for the Secret Service and the former President’s associates. The inherent vulnerabilities of his clubs, where members and the public could freely roam, have been a cause for concern for officials. Former White House staffers have expressed relief when Trump opted to stay at the White House over weekends, as it meant a reduced risk exposure for the President and his security detail.
The threats extended beyond the boundaries of Trump’s properties, with his golf clubs frequently located near public spaces and major roadways, limiting the Secret Service’s control over the surrounding areas. Media scrutiny of Trump’s golf outings has also been a cause for concern, with the possibility of photographers staking out positions to capture images raising security alarms among officials.
Following his departure from office, the security team responsible for Trump’s protection has downsized, further complicating the task of safeguarding his properties, including the golf courses where he frequently plays. Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg highlighted the challenges posed by securing the West Palm Beach golf course compared to Mar-a-Lago, noting the difficulty in locking down such a high-traffic area.
Despite the security risks associated with Trump’s golf trips, the private nature of the country clubs he owns where he often plays has made it somewhat easier for authorities to safeguard the premises. Secret Service agents assigned to escort Trump are trained to recognize potential threats and take appropriate action to mitigate risks, such as the case where an agent spotted Routh with a rifle before intervening. Various security measures, including the use of dogs, drones, and counter-assault squads, are deployed to ensure the safety of the President and those around him.
Former Secret Service agents and security experts have suggested strategies to make Trump’s golf outings less predictable and therefore less risky in terms of security threats. While the challenges of protecting a high-profile individual like Trump on a golf course are numerous, those responsible for his security remain vigilant in ensuring his safety during such leisure activities.
In conclusion, Trump’s golfing habit has undoubtedly posed security concerns for the Secret Service and other security experts, given the open nature of golf courses and the predictability of the former President’s golf outings. As Trump continues to enjoy his time on the course, security measures will need to adapt to mitigate any potential risks and ensure his safety in the face of potential threats.
