Trump returns from Camp David with golf buddy Bryson DeChambeau and mystery blonde aboard Marine One
Trump makes an unexpected return to Washington
Trump had traveled to Camp David on Friday night after attending a MAGA Inc meeting and dinner at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia. His original weekend schedule listed only executive time at Camp David on Saturday and had him remaining there until Sunday, when he was expected to travel back through Sterling before returning to the White House. That plan changed Saturday evening. The White House informed the press pool that Trump would instead return to Washington that night aboard Marine One.
Bryson DeChambeau joins Trump aboard Marine One
Among those returning with Trump was Bryson DeChambeau, whose relationship with the president has extended well beyond occasional rounds of golf. The two-time US Open champion has appeared with Trump at several events and has been involved with the president's efforts promoting youth fitness. Their connection was particularly evident in May, when DeChambeau joined Trump at a White House presidential fitness event. During his remarks, Trump praised the golfer's work and even floated holding a future gathering at Camp David.
Mikayla Demaiter makes an unexpected appearance
The other surprise passenger aboard Marine One was Mikayla Demaiter, DeChambeau’s girlfriend. The 26-year-old Canadian model and former ice hockey goaltender has been dating the two-time US Open champion in a relatively new relationship that an insider described as “very happy.” The pair first sparked romance rumors in August after Demaiter was spotted at LIV Golf New York wearing a guest pass and a Crushers GC hat — the team DeChambeau captains. They later appeared together at the LIV Golf finale in Indianapolis, and Demaiter was photographed celebrating DeChambeau’s birthday this month.
DeChambeau invoked Trump during Open penalty row
Just two months earlier, DeChambeau was accused of threatening to call Trump while challenging a two-stroke penalty at The Open at Royal Birkdale. Officials ruled that he had improved the area of his intended swing by flattening long grass behind his ball. DeChambeau disputed the decision and reportedly raised the possibility of getting Trump involved during lengthy discussions with R&A officials. Trump did not intervene. R&A chief executive Mark Darbon subsequently said, “I have not received a call from President Trump,” and described the rules decision as clear-cut. Trump later weighed in publicly, saying he thought DeChambeau had received a “tough call.”
What happened at Camp David remains private
Trump's return came one day earlier than his previously announced schedule. It also occurred on a busy day for presidential security. NORAD said an F-16 intercepted a general aviation aircraft that entered restricted airspace near Camp David while Trump was staying there. Flares were deployed before the aircraft was safely escorted away. Separately, Trump's return coincided with heightened tensions in the Middle East following an attempted Houthi ballistic-missile strike against Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, there is currently no confirmed connection between either development and Trump's decision to leave Camp David early.