Donald Trump's golf trips are costing the US taxpayer a significant amount, it has been reported, alongside his daily police fees while playing.
The 78-year-old was sworn in for his second term as US President in January after he defeated Democratic Party nominee Kamala Harris in November's presidential election.
Trump has embarked on a policy of cost-cutting in numerous governmental areas, and has recruited the deeply controversial Elon Musk - the world's richest man - as the de facto head of a new organisation aimed at slashing costs.
Away from his role as President, Trump is an avid golf fan and player, and owns 16 different courses across the world.
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Twelve of those courses are in the States, while he also owns two in Scotland, one in Ireland and one in the United Arab Emirates.
Trump has also been involved in discussions to solve the ongoing dispute between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
According to The Huffington Post, the US President has played golf on 13 of the 48 days of his presidency at the time of the report's publication.
Three of those days were spent at the Trump National in Doral, which is close to the Miami International Airport.
While he played full rounds on the other 10 days at the Trump International in West Palm Beach, Mar-a-Lago, Florida.
It is claimed that, based on a 2019 Government Accountability Office report into four golfing trips to Mar-a-Lago, his golf exploits have cost American taxpayers more than a staggering $18 million since he returned to office, having lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden.
It is understood that Trump and his entourage flying using the Air Force One presidential plane, with a series of strict security measures in place including law enforcement and explosive-sniffing dogs.
Since the initial report was published, The Guardian now estimate that Trump's trips have come at a cost of over $23 million to the US government - and that figure will continue to rise.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office told CBS News that it costs the department $240,000 per day to keep the President safe when he is in Mar-a-Lago.
They report that Trump spent 'far more' time playing golf during his first presidency term compared to 44th President Barack Obama, who occupied the White House between 2009 and 2017.
Trump has not commented on his love of golf since his second inauguration in January - except for a short comment to CNN while aboard Air Force One.
When asked whether he would be playing golf in Doral that weekend, he replied: "No, I don't think so. I'm busy."
He was later pictured playing golf in Doral that weekend.
Topics: United States, Golf
Ryan Smart