Donald Trump visited one of his own private golf courses in Virginia on Saturday as the United States continued to see the consequences of a rapid rise in coronavirus cases and a day after the US President said he would stay in Washington. DC to “ensure that law and order are followed” amid continued protests against racism.
The President of the United States has been frequently criticized for the scale of his golf habit while in office. CNN, which recounts his golfing activities, said the visit to the Trump National course in Loudon County, just outside of Washington, DC, was number 271 of his Trump presidency, which puts him on a golf average of one time every 4.6 days since he was in office. His predecessor, Barack Obama, played 333 rounds in both terms of his presidency, according to NBC.
The visit comes as the number of new confirmed coronavirus cases per day in the US hit a record high of 40,000, according to figures released by Johns Hopkins on Friday. Many states are now seeing spikes in the virus with Texas, Florida and Arizona especially hit after reopening their economies, a policy they are now pausing or repealing.
Trump has been roundly criticized for not having led during the coronavirus that has made the United States the most affected country in the world. Critics in particular point to his failure to wear a mask, hold campaign rallies at coronavirus hot spots, and promote unfounded conspiracy theories about cures, such as the use of chlorine.
On Friday night, Trump tweeted that he was canceling a weekend trip to his Bedminster, NJ, golf course due to protests that have rocked the capital, including the demolition of statues of Confederate figures.
“I was going to Bedminster, New Jersey, this weekend, but I wanted to stay in Washington, DC to make sure THE LAW AND THE ORDER is followed. Arsonists, anarchists, looters and agitators have been largely detained, “he tweeted.
Trump’s last visit to the golf course was not without criticism. According to a media report from the White House pool: “A small group of protesters at the club’s entrance had signs that included ‘Trump makes me sick’ and ‘Dump Trump.’
A woman walking a small white dog nearby also greeted the caravan with the middle finger. “
It is not yet known whether Trump actually played a round of golf. But a photographer captured the president in a white polo shirt and red cap, which is one of his most common golf outfits.
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