Trump Discusses Tiger Woods' DUI Arrest and Physical Struggles
Former President Donald Trump has publicly revealed that he has spoken with golf legend Tiger Woods in the aftermath of Woods' recent DUI arrest and car crash in Florida. Trump described the 15-time major winner as enduring a "life of pain" due to ongoing physical ailments.
Details of the Conversation and Arrest
Trump confirmed the conversation when questioned by reporters, stating, "I have spoken to him. I think he's doing great, he's doing good." He emphasized that Woods tested negative for alcohol but is under "tremendous physical pressure" from back and leg issues. "He lives a life of pain. He has a lot of pain," Trump added, noting Woods is an "amazing guy" and athlete without an alcohol problem.
The arrest occurred on Jupiter Island, where police found two loose opioid pills marked 'M367' (hydrocodone) in Woods' pocket during a search. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, opioids are addictive, and Woods has a history of battling painkiller addiction. Officers reported Woods was "sweating profusely," with "lethargic and slow" movements, "bloodshot and glassy" eyes, and "extremely dilated" pupils. He also experienced hiccups during the investigation.
Relationship with Vanessa Trump and Insider Insights
Woods has been dating Vanessa Trump, Donald Trump's former daughter-in-law, since March 2025, a relationship first reported by the Daily Mail. Sources indicate Vanessa was waiting for Woods upon his release from the Martin County Public Safety Complex and is "both disappointed and a little bit p***ed." She has reportedly demanded he "get things under control" or she may not continue the relationship.
An insider close to Woods revealed that the golfer is not involved with "illegal drugs" but has been on "tons of pain medication for years" due to injuries. The arrest affidavit states Woods told police he was "looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station" before the rollover crash. He refused to provide a urine sample, likely due to prescription opioid use from repeated injuries.
Crash Details and Legal Charges
The incident involved Woods attempting to overtake a truck and trailer at high speed on a residential road with a 30mph limit, clipping the trailer and tipping his SUV onto its side. Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek noted Woods was traveling at "high speeds," showed "signs of impairment," and was "lethargic" after the crash. A breathalyzer test showed no alcohol, but Woods refused a urine test, leading to his arrest on charges of driving under the influence, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
During field sobriety tests, Woods was "limping and stumbling" and deemed unfit to drive. Sheriff Budensiek described Woods as "cooperative, but he's not trying to incriminate himself," adding that authorities may never determine the exact substance causing impairment due to the refused test.
Historical Context and Previous Incidents
This marks the fourth car crash involving Woods, most notably in February 2021 when his SUV ran off a road in Los Angeles, causing severe leg and ankle injuries that nearly led to amputation. It is also his second DUI arrest not involving alcohol; in 2017, he pleaded guilty to reckless driving after being found asleep behind the wheel due to a bad mix of painkillers.
Woods had only recently returned to golf action at the TGL finals after months of injury rehabilitation. Prior to the arrest, he was reportedly banned from driving the US president's grandchildren by the Secret Service. Trump, who awarded Woods the Medal of Freedom in 2019, expressed sympathy earlier, saying, "I feel so badly. He's got some difficulty. Very close friend of mine. He's an amazing person."
