The Secret Service spent $137,505 renting golf carts at Donald Trump's clubs
President 'isn't working and taxpayers are being forced to pick up the tab'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The US Secret Service has reportedly spent at least $137,505 (£105,178) renting golf carts to protect Donald Trump at his private clubs.
According to federal purchase orders obtained by American Bridge, a political action committee that campaigns against the country's Republican leadership, the sum includes a $61,960 (£47,374) contract to rent golf carts at the Trump International Golf Club in Florida.
The contract runs from 29 September until 38 May 2018 and is the largest payment for the vehicles so far, according to USA Today, which first reported the figures.
“President Trump isn't working and taxpayers are being forced to pick up the tab,” Harrell Kirstein of American Bridge told the US daily. “Instead of wasting so much time and money on his vacation, he should do his job and address the multitude of crises facing the country that are piling up on his watch.”
According to the report, the agency has made other golf-related purchases since Mr Trump became President, spending $15,600 (£11,936) this month on the installation of ballistic glass for Mr Trump to watch the Presidents Cup golf competition.
Mr Trump, who repeatedly criticised Barack Obama for taking too much time off work, has himself come under fire for spending time playing golf. It was reported in the summer that Mr Trump had taken more than three times as many holiday days as his predecessor.
Controversy has surrounded the Secret Service's budget since the agency ran out of funding to pay overtime to hundreds of agents to protect the Trump family.
In Mr Trump's administration, 42 people have protection – including 18 members of his family – up from 31 during Mr Obama's leadership. Congress has moved to raise the cap on agents' overtime pay from $161,900 to $187,000 ( (£123,788 to £142,980).
Mr Trump is not legally allowed to pay for or provide any of his own security, which is intended to prevent possible conflicts of interest.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments