Amid whirlwind Asia tour, Trump finds time to chat golf: ‘I have become a very good chipper’
TOKYO, JAPAN: In the middle of his high-stakes Asia tour, President Donald Trump carved out a lighter moment on Monday, October 27, chatting with reporters about golf, one of his favorite pastimes.
Asked by a reporter about his most personally difficult shot, Trump didn’t miss the chance to turn it into a quick boast.
“It used to be chipping, but I have become a very good chipper,” he said with a grin.
“I hit them all pretty good. I’m a pretty good golfer. I won 38 club championships, that’s pretty good,” the president said.
Trump boasts of his golf skills
Donald Trump described his game as “solid” and “consistent,” adding that he hit the ball "pretty long."
"I play with Gary Player. You know, Gary's 90, and he shot 70 with me the last time we played, which is pretty amazing,” he said.
The president went on to say that putting “used to be the best part” of his game, but remains “pretty good” even now.
Trump says relationship with Elon Musk is ‘good’
Asked about his relationship with Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk, Trump said the two remain on friendly terms.
“During Charlie’s beautiful tribute, Elon came up. It’s good with Elon. I like Elon. I’ve always liked Elon. Elon’s good,” Trump said.
Pressed on whether he had spoken to Musk recently, Trump replied, “Yeah, very little. Nothing much."
"Look, he’s a nice guy and he’s a very capable guy. I’ve always liked him. He had a bad spell, a stupid moment in his life, very stupid. I’m sure he’d tell you that. But I like Elon and I suspect I’ll always like him,” he said.
The remarks came amid speculation that Musk may rejoin Trump's team and play a growing role in his broader technology and innovation advisory efforts, though the president did not elaborate.
Trump comments on five finalists for next Fed chair
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters traveling with the president that his team is “down to five” finalists for the next Federal Reserve chair and plans to present the list to Trump in the coming weeks.
“We’re down to five. … We’re going to do a second round and we hope to present a good slate to the president right after Thanksgiving. It will ultimately be his choice,” Bessent said.
Trump, who was present during the exchange, quickly interjected with his trademark spontaneity. “I’m thinking about him for Fed. What do you think?”
When a reporter asked if he might consider Stephen Miller, his deputy chief of staff for policy, Trump quipped, “How about Stephen Miller? We have a lot of candidates that want the job.”
Trump said he expects to make his decision by the end of the year.
