President Donald Trump is once again facing mockery online, but this time it has nothing to do with politics. A newly surfaced video showing Trump on the golf course has gone viral, with many accusing him of blatant cheating during a round of golf — reigniting an old debate about his behavior on the fairway.
Trump, a self-proclaimed golf aficionado who owns several luxury courses around the world, has long insisted that he’s an excellent golfer. He frequently touts his skills, championship wins, and even his alleged ability to beat professional players. But critics, journalists, and even some of his former playing partners have cast doubt on those claims, often accusing him of stretching the rules — or ignoring them altogether.
Now, a fresh clip appears to give visual proof to those accusations.
The video, which has racked up hundreds of thousands of views across YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, shows Trump allegedly repositioning his golf ball in a manner that appears highly questionable. While golf has long been considered a gentleman’s game — one that relies on the honor system — the footage paints a different picture.
Although the video doesn’t capture any verbal exchange, viewers were quick to point out Trump’s movements: stepping away from his original shot location, casually kicking or moving the ball to a more favorable spot, and continuing play as if nothing had happened. These moments, combined with Trump’s history of making grandiose claims about his golfing prowess, created the perfect storm for ridicule.
Comedians, late-night hosts, and even pro athletes jumped into the online fray. One user quipped, “Trump just made golf great again… for cheaters.” Another wrote, “He cheats on everything else — why should golf be any different?” Others pointed to Trump’s well-documented history of bending the truth and noted that the golf course seems to be no exception.
Sportswriter Rick Reilly, who authored Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump, has chronicled numerous stories of the president’s questionable tactics on the links. In his book, Reilly interviewed multiple golfers who said Trump frequently moved his ball, exaggerated his scores, and even awarded himself victories in tournaments he hadn’t played in. This new footage, for many, simply confirms what insiders have been saying for years.
Of course, Trump’s defenders were quick to brush off the criticism. Supporters claimed the video was misleading, taken out of context, or simply a light-hearted moment being blown out of proportion. “It’s golf,” one supporter posted. “Everyone does it. Who cares?” But opponents weren’t buying it — especially not when it involved someone who takes such pride in his reputation as a skilled and honest competitor.
Golf, after all, is a game built on integrity. Players are expected to call penalties on themselves and abide by a strict code of conduct, even when no one is watching. That’s what makes this situation so explosive: many Americans view how someone plays golf as a reflection of their character off the course.
For a sitting president, that perception matters.
This isn’t the first time golf-related controversies have put Trump in the spotlight. During his presidency, he was often criticized for the number of golf outings he took, especially after repeatedly attacking President Obama for the same. His regular visits to Trump-owned courses also sparked ethical concerns about taxpayer money benefiting his businesses.
Still, Trump continues to champion golf as one of his greatest passions. In interviews, he’s likened the sport to the presidency itself — requiring strategy, discipline, and confidence. But if this video is any indication, some are wondering whether that comparison says more than intended.
For viewers who haven’t yet seen the now-notorious footage, here’s the full clip that’s drawing all the attention:
Whether it’s seen as harmless fun or another example of questionable behavior, one thing’s certain: when it comes to Trump, even golf isn’t safe from controversy.
