Imagine stepping onto a luxurious golf course, only to discover it’s crawling with uninvited guests—and we’re not talking about the kind that pay a membership fee. Yes, rodents and insects have been spotted at one of Donald Trump’s prestigious golf resorts, and it’s raising more than just eyebrows. According to a health department report, inspectors found these unwanted visitors at the Trump National Golf Club Westchester in Briarcliff Manor, New York, during a November inspection. But here’s where it gets even more unsettling: this wasn’t the only issue.
The resort, which Trump purchased in 1996 for $7.5 million and later refurbished for a reported $45 million, was slapped with five health code violations. Beyond the rodent and insect problem, inspectors noted dirty surfaces, poorly constructed rooms in disrepair, and inadequate lighting and ventilation. And this is the part most people miss: food was found uncovered, mislabeled, and stored on the floor, with missing sneeze guards and double-stacked containers adding to the chaos. Even the plumbing and sinks were deemed improperly sized, installed, and maintained, while floors lacked proper drainage. Thankfully, health officials clarified that none of these violations were considered critical—but that doesn’t make them any less concerning.
This isn’t the first time Trump’s golf resorts have run afoul of health regulations. In May of last year, the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey faced a staggering 18 health code violations, earning the lowest inspection score in the region—a mere 32 out of 100. However, in a twist that’s sure to spark debate, the club was reinspected just hours after Forbes reported the findings and scored an impressive 86. David Schutzenhofer, the club’s general manager, dismissed the initial report as a “politically motivated attack,” claiming it reflected “visceral hostility” toward the Trump administration. Is this a case of unfair targeting, or are these violations a legitimate cause for concern?
The Bedminster property, sprawling across 600 acres of countryside with a 36-hole golf course and clubhouse, was once hailed by Trump as a symbol of “top amenities and services.” Yet, the recent controversies leave us wondering: does the reality match the luxury branding? The Trump National Golf Club Westchester was approached for comment, but as of now, the silence is almost as loud as the violations themselves. What do you think? Are these isolated incidents, or is there a deeper issue at play? Let us know in the comments below!