Trump’s Oval Office Golf Dealings Expose Corruption

In a troubling display of ethical disregard, former President Donald Trump has leveraged the power of the Oval Office to negotiate a lucrative merger favoring his financial interests. The proposed agreement between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-funded LIV Golf directly benefits Trump’s family business, illustrating his transactional approach to governance. Trump’s efforts, which included a February 20 meeting with PGA Tour officials and Saudi investors, underscore his willingness to mix official duties with personal gain.

These meetings not only highlight Trump’s ongoing relationship with Saudi Arabia but reveal a broader pattern of prioritizing personal profit over national interests. In stark contrast to his claims of making good deals for the U.S., Trump’s actions repeatedly align with the enrichment of his family, particularly through ventures linked to foreign autocrats like Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump’s ties to Saudi businessmen also raise serious questions about conflicts of interest, with millions of dollars flowing into Trump businesses, thus undermining the integrity of the office he once held.

Following the January 6 Capitol riots, while many businesses distanced themselves from Trump, Saudi Arabia emerged as a key source of income, unafraid to align with a scandal-plagued brand. The Trump Organization’s ventures in Saudi Arabia, including multiple real estate projects and hosting LIV Golf tours at his properties, represent a troubling entanglement of foreign interests and Trump’s business pursuits. The ability of Trump to profit from these connections raises significant constitutional concerns regarding emoluments and foreign influence.

Despite evident controversies, Trump’s dealings in Saudi Arabia have continued to flourish. As he announced new projects in partnership with Saudi firms, questions about ethical governance and foreign entanglements linger, showcasing a blatant disregard for the norms expected from a public servant. Additionally, significant investment in Jared Kushner’s firm by the Saudi wealth fund post-White House indicates a troubling nexus of loyalty and transactional relationships that further entrench authoritarian interests.

The absence of significant public outcry against these corrupt practices demonstrates a concerning apathy towards systemic issues within the Republican party, allowing such unethical behavior to go unchecked. Trump’s actions reinforce how political power can be manipulated for personal gain, ultimately undermining American democracy and public trust. His presidency, marked by a clear pattern of corruption and self-serving deals, epitomizes the dangers of governance by individuals who prioritize profit over principles.

(h/t: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/feb/27/trump-pga-liv-saudi-arabia)