Former President Donald Trump is facing renewed scrutiny after a viral video from his visit to the Turnberry golf resort in Scotland appeared to show an unusual moment on the course—prompting debate and a wave of online commentary.
Trump, a longtime golf enthusiast and owner of several luxury golf courses worldwide, has reportedly spent 45 of the past 189 days since returning to the White House on golf outings, often at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
During a recent trip to his Scottish resort, a brief video clip circulated on social media appeared to show a caddy subtly dropping a golf ball behind Trump as he approached. While the context remains unclear, the footage has ignited a flurry of social media reactions.
Some users dubbed the incident “symbolic,” with one writing, “Trump’s golf game mirrors his political style.” Others chimed in with humorous takes, referring to the moment as a “metaphor” and reviving the nickname “Commander in Cheat,” a phrase popularized by sportswriter Rick Reilly in his book Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump. In it, Reilly recounts various anecdotes from Trump’s time on the course, including claims that caddies at Winged Foot Golf Club nicknamed him “Pele” due to his habit of kicking balls back into play.
This isn’t the first time Trump’s golf practices have drawn attention. Notable figures such as actor Samuel L. Jackson and professional golfer Suzann Pettersen have previously commented on his competitive style.
Despite the online buzz, the White House has described Trump’s visit to Scotland as a “working trip.” While in the UK, he has met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss trade policies and is also expected to meet with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney. The trip also includes discussions about expanding his golf developments, including a proposed second course at his Menie estate in Aberdeenshire.
Critics have voiced concern over the optics of the trip, noting that it comes amid rising domestic concerns such as inflation and grocery costs. Supporters, however, highlight Trump’s ongoing engagement in international trade talks and business development as evidence of his active leadership.
While the video remains a topic of lighthearted speculation online, the former president has previously denied any accusations of dishonesty on the golf course.