While Donald Trump may have criticized Barack Obama for the time he spent on the golf course during his presidency, the businessman-turned-politician spent substantially more time playing the sport.
Before running for office for the first time, Trump honed in on how many days Obama spent on the course rather thatn in the Oval Office.
He tweeted back in 2014 while Obama was president: “We pay for Obama’s travel so he can fundraise millions so Democrats can run on lies. Then we pay for his golf.”
Donald Trump often criticized Barack Obama’s golfing habits (Twitter)
But fast -orward to when Trump came into office, and he hardly stopped taking part in his favorite pastime.
The Trump Organization owns 18 different golf resorts across the globe, its website states, and the President frequently visits his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida in particular.
There are different reports on how many times Trump frequented the golf course during his first four years in office, but figures range from 248 to 266 days, CNN reported.
In comparison, Obama played around 333 rounds during his eight years as president, according to CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller.
But, as Trump’s aides typically refused to confirm if he was visiting his golf resorts for business or pleasure (despite being pictured in his golf attire), the amount of time he actually spent playing the sport is unknown.
The Trump Organization owns 18 different golf resorts (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Regardless, he still spent a lot of time traveling to the resorts that just so happened to have golf courses – and presidential travel isn’t cheap.
In 2019, The Washington Post predicted that Trump’s travel would cost taxpayers $64 million, but by October 2020, Robert Reich, author and former Labor secretary, calculated that Trump had cost taxpayers and eye-watering $141 million.
He tweeted at the time: “Once again, Trump brags about donating his $400,000 presidential salary.
“Somehow he forgot to mention that his golf trips have cost taxpayers $141,000,000.”
Trump’s travel reportedly cost taxpayers $140 million (Noam Galai/Getty Images)
Just one weekend spent in Scotland in 2018 cost taxpayers more than $1 million, The Committee on Oversight and Accountability Democrats reported.
Addressing this two years later, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Senator Tom Carper, and Senator Elizabeth Warren said in a statement: “American taxpayers should not be on the hook for President Trump’s golf weekend to a property he owns as a private businessman.
“The President has consistently abused the levers of government to promote his own personal enrichment, and we are calling on him today to reimburse the American people for the more than $1 million price tag for this unnecessary and wasteful trip. This is their money—not his—and he should return it to them immediately.”
It isn’t thought he did so, however.
UNLAD have approached Trump’s office for comment.
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Featured Image Credit: TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images
Topics: Donald Trump, Money, Politics, Sport, Travel, US News
Elon Musk was spotted giving an enthusiastic thumbs up during Donald Trump’s inaugural speech, which massively contrasted Barron Trump’s reaction.
People tuning into Donald Trump‘s inaugural speech were left gasping for air with laughter after the cameras showed Elon Musk and Barron Trump during the speech.
As Trump commented on America‘s goal of putting a person on Mars, Musk is seen giving a super enthusiastic thumbs up, while stood next to Barron Trump and applauding.
Barron on the other hand, looked pretty unfazed by the whole thing and doesn’t so much as give a smile. Take a look:
As you can imagine the clip of the moment has already started spreading on social media with many delighted by the night and day difference between the two men.
One user commented: “Barron Trump looked like he feared being the first person sent to Mars.”
While another wrote: “Barron Trump giving zero f**ks about Mars while standing next to Elon Muck.”
A third wrote: “Tuned into the Trump inauguration speech for literally less than a minute and was just in time to get this screen shot of Barron Trump looking like he wants to k*ll himself being stuck next to Elon Musk.”
With another adding: “I’m gonna assume Baron Trump is Not a fan of Elon Musk by what I just saw on cam lol.”
The only acceptable face to make when Mars is mentioned (YouTube/AFP)
Now, it does make sense why Musk would be spotted applauding and beaming ear to ear based on what Trump said.
The now sworn-in-president said: “We will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars, launching American astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars.”
This is something Musk has publicly spoken about for years and a man on Mars is one of the goals he wishes to see achieved in his lifetime – despite the planet recently being deemed as ‘unsafe for humans to live’ by experts.
Despite the hopes of Musk, experts have also been clear of the many difficulties that starting a civilization on Mars could expect.
Last year David Kipping, the Assistant Professor, Department of Astronomy at Columbia University, spoke to Valuetainment and explained how some people have their doubts regarding Musk’s plans to put civilizations on the red planet.
He said: “Yeah, some of my colleague’s kind of think it’s ridiculous and think it’s just totally crazy that we’ll ever do this.”
Humanity getting to mars has long been a dream (Getty Stock Image)
However he did note that he had no issue with Musk putting his money into projects that could lead to Mars’ colonization.
He continued: “I get the philosophy. The philosophy is, as long as we’re all on planet Earth we’re at risk because all it takes is one giant meteor or one nuclear war or whatever cataclysm you want, and we’re all gone.
“So, if your objective is to preserve the species then it totally makes sense that you would want to have a second base and whether that base be on the moon or Mars, I don’t really have a strong opinion.”
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Featured Image Credit: ABC News Live
Topics: Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Politics, US News, Barron Trump
In a now-deleted video, Selena Gomez broke down crying as she reflected on the future of America following the latest move from President Donald Trump.
With Donald Trump taking office for the second time, some celebrities have voiced their concerns about the changes the Republican leader could enact.
Singer Selena Gomez had made it clear that she is more than a little bit concerned as she shared a video of herself crying about one of the president’s latest executive orders.
President Donald Trump has said he plans to be tough on illegal immigrants (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Trump insisted that he would take steps to reduce and remove illegal immigrants living in the US.
After becoming president, he signed an executive order that is suspected to impact and deport millions, and Gomez is fearful for these people.
While crying and holding her head in her hands, Gomez said: “I’m so sorry. All my people are getting attacked. The children, I don’t understand. I wish I could do something.”
However, she would delete the video not long after, adding the message: “Apparently its not okay to show empathy for people.”
Take a look below:
Former US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director Tom Homan was appointed the ‘border czar’ for the Trump administration and has defended the president’s hard stance on illegal immigration.
Homan recently explained how the military have been deployed to help out at the Mexican border, and how Trump is ‘sending a strong signal to the world, our borders closed’.
He said: “If you’re in the country illegally, you’re on the table, because it’s not OK to, you know, violate the laws of this country. You got to remember, every time you enter this country illegally, you violated a crime under Title Eight, the United States Code 1325, it’s a crime.”
While some social media users have taken to criticizing Gomez – resulting in her deleting the video – other fans have been quick to point out that this isn’t the first time she has shown concern for issues on migration.
Other people also took aim at those being critical of the celebrity.
Selena Gomez deleted the video while sarcastically addressing the criticism she faced(Selena Gomez/Instagram)
One user wrote: “In 2019, Selena Gomez produced a Netflix documentary titled ‘Living Undocumented’ chronicling the lives of undocumented families in the United States.
“She also speaks on her grandparents being Mexican immigrants. This isn’t the first time she’s spoken on this matter.
Another commented: “Selena’s tears speak volumes. Her empathy for the children and families affected is heartbreaking yet inspiring,” as a third commented: “It’s really tough to see what’s happening. your heart is in the right place, and just speaking out makes a difference.”
With another adding: “Thank you, Selena. Empathy really does matter. I’m realizing now that she can’t win no matter what she does.”
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Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@selenagomez
Topics: Celebrity, Donald Trump, Selena Gomez, US News, Politics
President Donald Trump has signed a slew of executive orders since reclaiming control of the country, and a fleet of those take aim at the millions of illegal immigrants living in the US.
The Republican put pen to paper on an order that will see those living in the nation without the proper papers will be deported, with the process having already began.
President Donald Trump has taken aim at those living in the US illegally (Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Who is the US’ ‘border czar’?
Firstly, let’s clear up what it means – a czar is person appointed by government to advise on and coordinate policy in a particular area.
Former US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director Tom Homan was anointed the ‘border czar’ for the Trump administration, soon after the 47th president discovered he’d be moving back into the White House.
Now, speaking to ABC News, the 63-year-old confirmed that following Trump’s signature on a string of executive orders to do with foreigners settling down in the country, any resident who is in the US illegally is ‘on the table’ for deportation.
Homan explained how the military have been deployed to help out at the Mexican border, and how Trump is ‘sending a strong signal to the world, our border’s closed’.
Border czar Tom Homan spoke about deporting illegal immigrants in lengthy ABC interview (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Tom Homan on deporting illegal immigrants
Co-anchor of This Week, Martha Raddatz replied: “So, is this what we will see every single day, ending in what the president has promised is millions and millions being deported?”
Homan responded: “Yes. But you’re going to see the numbers steadily increase, the number of arrests nationwide as we open up the aperture. Right now, it’s concentrating on public safety threats, national security threats. That’s a smaller population.
“So, we’re going to do this on priority base, that’s President Trump‘s promise. But as that aperture opens, there’ll be more arrests nationwide.”
He continued: “If you’re in the country illegally, you’re on the table, because it’s not OK to, you know, violate the laws of this country. You got to remember, every time you enter this country illegally, you violated a crime under Title Eight, the United States Code 1325, it’s a crime.
“So, if you’re in a country illegally, you got a problem. And that’s why I’m hoping those who are in the country illegally, who have not been ordered removed by the federal judge, should leave.”
Trump has signed a slew of executive orders since taking control of the Oval Office (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Executive order: ‘Protecting American people against invasion’
The order accuses Biden’s administration of letting ‘millions of illegal aliens’ cross the borders.
“Many of these aliens unlawfully within the United States present significant threats to national security and public safety, committing vile and heinous acts against innocent Americans. Others are engaged in hostile activities, including espionage, economic espionage, and preparations for terror-related activities.” it says.
“Many have abused the generosity of the American people, and their presence in the United States has cost taxpayers billions of dollars at the Federal, State, and local levels.
“Enforcing our Nation’s immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States. The American people deserve a Federal Government that puts their interests first and a Government that understands its sacred obligation to prioritize the safety, security, and financial and economic well-being of Americans.”
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Featured Image Credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, US News
We’ve all heard rumors about what’s inside the Golden Globes gift bags, but what about the swag handed out at this week’s presidential inauguration?
On Monday (20 January), Donald Trump officially became the 47th US President following his election victory in November.
Trump was joined for the historical moment by his wife Melania Trump and his children – Ivanka, Donald Jr., Eric, Tiffany and Barron.
There were also a number of famous faces in attendance, including Tesla boss Elon Musk, influencers and performers, including Carrie Underwood who suffered a major technical glitch during her rendition of ‘America The Beautiful’.
Trump was sworn in on Monday (20 January) (CHIP SOMODEVILLA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Since the inauguration, people have been discussing the goody bags that were handed out on the day.
One X user, @Kenny.manta, who was invited to the inauguration, has shared exactly what was inside the bags.
“Being invited to the inauguration for @realDonaldTrump and @JDVance came with the perks of an amazing swag bag,” they wrote. “What was inside? Check it out.”
Kenny shared an image of the bag on X, which included a gift tag reading: “Thank you for attending the Trump Vance inauguration. We look forward to celebrating with you this weekend. Please enjoy these gifts as a token of our appreciation.”
So, what was inside?
Diet Coke
First up, the bag contained two bottles of Diet Coke, complete with special inauguration labels reading ‘The inauguration of the President of the United States’.
Apparently, Trump himself is a fan of Diet Coke and has a ‘Diet Coke button’ on the Oval Office’s Resolute desk, allowing him to have the fizzy drink delivered to his desk whenever he likes.
Blanket and towel
There was also a blanket and a thick hand towel included.
“A really nice blanket to feel the comfort and safety of America warming my body after years of darkness,” said Kenny. “[And] a thick face towel to help me wipe away all the dirt and grime that’s accumulated over the past 4 years.”
Toiletries
Also in the swag bag was hand lotion, chapstick and hand sanitiser, which Kenny said would help ‘avoid any more pandemics’.
Hand warmers
Hand warmers were likely included in the bag due to the bitterly cold temperatures on Monday.
The cold weather prompted organisers to move the ceremony inside for the first time since 1985.
“The weather forecast for Washington DC, with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way.”
Signed portraits and letters
The bag also included a signed portrait of both Trump and Vance as well as some ‘letters’.
It’s not clear what the letters consisted of, but one plain white envelope reads, ‘Congress of the United States’.
Mug
“A brand new mug so I can taste freedom with every morning sip,” said Kenny.
The mug featured an image of The White House, reading ‘Trump’ and ‘Vance’ as well as ‘The inauguration of President and Vice President’ scribed alongside.
Another bag
The goody bag also included a separate bag, this time a canvas, shopper style, which could be used to hold all the goodies included.
Wearing all the items from the bag, Kenny added: “10/10 swag bag. Would vote again.
“Only thing that would have made this bag better is finding some $trump coins inside. What else could’ve been inside the swag bag?”