U.S. taxpayers foot nearly $30,000 for Secret Service golf-cart rentals at Trump’s Irish resort

Federal procurement records reveal that the United States allocated nearly $30,000 for “urgent” golf-cart rentals for the Secret Service while Donald Trump was at his Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, Ireland. The contract, titled “POTUS DOONBEG GOLF CARTS URGENT USSS,” earmarked $26,353.47 but did not identify an external supplier, unlike a 2025 Bedminster rental awarded to Associates Golf Car Service of Poughkeepsie.

Additional Secret Service expenses included $22,957 for rooms at the resort. Trump’s visit, which coincided with the final round of the Amgen Irish Open, sparked large protests in Dublin and a smaller demonstration in the 297-person village of Doonbeg, and featured meetings with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and President Catherine Connolly. Critics cite prior reports that the Trump family overcharged the agency for accommodations, and note that Trump’s golf trips have cost taxpayers almost $200 million since his 2025 return to the White House. The president announced plans to return to Ireland in 2027 for the Ryder Cup, suggesting the tournament be moved to his Scottish course instead of the scheduled venue.