A Rat-Infested Golf Club?
You won't believe what health inspectors found at Donald Trump's prestigious golf club in New York. It's a story that will make you question the standards of some of the world's most famous golf courses.
On November 20, 2025, the Westchester County Department of Health paid a visit to Trump National Golf Club Westchester in Briarcliff Manor. What they discovered was nothing short of shocking: rodents and insects running rampant, dirty surfaces, poorly constructed rooms in dire need of repair, and inadequate lighting and ventilation.
The inspection resulted in five health code violations, with none deemed critical. However, the list of food-handling violations is a cause for concern. Items were left uncovered, mislabeled, and even on the floor. Sneeze guards, designed to prevent the spread of germs, were either absent or insufficient. Containers were stacked improperly, creating potential hazards.
The club and the Trump Organization, which owns and operates the property, remained silent when approached for comment. This lack of response only adds to the intrigue surrounding the incident.
But here's where it gets controversial... This isn't the first time a Trump golf property has faced scrutiny from health officials. Last May, inspectors in New Jersey flagged a staggering 18 violations at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Bedminster, New Jersey. With nine critical violations, the venue received a score of 32 out of 100, the lowest in Somerset County. However, in a surprising turn of events, an inspector returned hours later and issued a revised score of 86, the lowest possible "B" grade.
David Schutzenhofer, the general manager of Trump National Bedminster, dismissed the original findings as a politically motivated attack. He claimed that the health department had never shown such hostility towards them before.
Trump's love for golf and his golf clubs is no secret, but it has also become a controversial topic. He once promised he would be too busy to play golf as president, yet since returning to the White House in January 2025, he has made a staggering 88 visits to golf clubs in just one year, roughly one-fourth of the days he has been back in office. The estimated cost to taxpayers for these visits is a jaw-dropping $110 million, according to the Trump Golf Tracker.
The Westchester club has been part of Trump's portfolio since 1996, when he acquired the Briar Hall Golf and Country Club and transformed it into the luxurious Trump National Golf Club Westchester. The 140-acre course and its expansive 75,000-square-foot clubhouse were rebuilt and redesigned by architect Jim Fazio.
Despite the recent health inspection findings, the club continues to market itself as a premier private venue, conveniently located just 30 minutes from Midtown Manhattan.
And this is the part most people miss... While the health inspection violations are concerning, they also highlight a larger issue: the potential risks and costs associated with maintaining these luxurious golf clubs. With Trump's frequent visits and the estimated taxpayer burden, it raises questions about the priorities and accountability of those in power.
What are your thoughts on this story? Do you think these health violations are an isolated incident, or do they reflect a larger problem with Trump's golf clubs? Share your opinions in the comments below!
