Donald Trump Reacts to Tiger Woods DUI Arrest Following Florida Car Crash
Former US President Donald Trump has publicly commented on the recent car crash involving golf legend Tiger Woods, stating that Woods "has some difficulty" after the incident led to a driving under the influence arrest in Florida. The remarks came as authorities confirmed Woods was taken into custody following a rollover accident on Jupiter Island.
Details of the Crash and Arrest
Tiger Woods, aged 50, was involved in a serious car crash on Friday afternoon when his Land Rover clipped a machinery truck at speed, causing the vehicle to roll over. The incident occurred just after 2pm local time in Jupiter Island, the same town where Woods resides. Martin County sheriff John Budensiek reported that both Woods and the other driver emerged uninjured, noting that "this could have been a lot worse."
Woods was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence, with authorities suspecting impairment from medication after he passed a breathalyser test but refused to provide a urine sample. This marks the third major crash Woods has been involved in and the second time it has resulted in a DUI arrest.
Trump's Sympathetic Response
Speaking before the sheriff's office confirmed the arrest, Donald Trump expressed his concern for Woods, whom he described as a "very close friend" and "an amazing person." Trump stated, "He's got some difficulty. There was an accident and that's all I know. I feel so badly for him. Some difficulty, I don't want to talk about it." The former president's comments highlight their longstanding personal relationship, which includes public appearances together at events like the White House.
Woods' Legal and Health Challenges
Under Florida state law, Woods will remain in county jail for at least eight hours before he can be released on bond. This incident echoes a previous DUI arrest in Florida in 2017, after which Woods checked himself into a clinic for prescription medication issues.
The crash adds to Woods' history of serious accidents, most notably a high-profile rollover in California in 2021 that left him with severe injuries. At that time, authorities reported he was driving at least twice the 45mph speed limit when his SUV struck a tree, causing the vehicle to fly through the air. Woods later revealed he was "lucky to be alive" and faced potential amputation of part of his right leg.
Impact on Golf Career and Future
Woods has been working to return to competitive golf following a seventh back surgery in September, but his status for upcoming tournaments like The Masters remains uncertain. His last official tournament was The Open in 2024, and he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in March 2025 that sidelined him prior to the back surgery.
Despite having lifetime eligibility to play at The Masters as a five-time winner, Trump previously suggested Woods might not participate, stating on FOX News' "The Five" that "he won't be playing in it." Woods recently returned to golf in a virtual league with his team Jupiter Links, admitting he got his "a*** kicked" after losing in the TGL Finals.
This latest incident raises further questions about Woods' ability to compete at the highest level while managing ongoing health and legal challenges.
