Tuesday, February 18, 2025
On Feb 18, 2025, Trump’s Mar-a-Lago golf outing cost taxpayers an estimated $421k, covering Secret Service, local police, motorcade, and support staff for a day at his Palm Beach club.
ACTIVITY BREAKDOWN
Secret Service & Federal Security Detail: Mar-a-Lago/Trump Golf Club
Peak off-site Secret Service and federal staff cost for presidential travel and golf day at Mar-a-Lago and Trump International Golf Club, at $300k per day (GAO-19-178, Finance Monthly, Helsinki Times, Frankel.gov).
Local Law Enforcement Assistance (Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office)
Palm Beach deputies provide local perimeter, traffic, and crowd security throughout the president’s Mar-a-Lago and golf movements; benchmarked to $60k/day (Frankel.gov, GAO-19-178, Yahoo/Finance Monthly reports).
Motorcade & Local Transport (Mar-a-Lago–Golf Club–Mar-a-Lago)
Short local trips require full presidential motorcade escort, vehicles, and driver costs. Estimated at $6k for intra-county presidential movement (Finance Monthly, Best-fit to benchmarks).
Incidentals (support, meals, extra logistics)
Capped at ≤15% of total travel and security ($366,000 subtotal × 0.15), covering incidental expenses not otherwise itemized (benchmarked via Cost Estimating Guide).