Trump stands by Tiger Woods after Florida rollover crash and DUI charge: ‘Very close friend of mine’

MIAMI, FLORIDA: President Donald Trump on Friday, March 27, addressed the news of the daytime rollover crash involving golf legend Tiger Woods. 

The 15-time major golf champion, who is currently in a relationship with the President’s former daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump, faces multiple charges after refusing a chemical test following the crash in Martin County.

Trump's reaction to Tiger Woods rollover crash

Trump shared his reaction to the situation while speaking to reporters after arriving in Miami, 

The President noted that he was only aware of the initial reports of the accident at the time he made his comments and expressed deep personal concern for the golfer. 

"I feel so badly. He's got some difficulty," Trump said. "There was an accident, and that's all I know. Very close friend of mine. He's an amazing person, an amazing man, but some difficulty," he added.

Trump's connection to Tiger Woods

The incident comes at a busy time for Woods, who recently returned to competitive golf at the TGL championship after recovering from a ruptured Achilles. 

His relationship with Vanessa Trump has been a point of public interest, and the President previously confirmed that he gave the couple his blessing. 

"He told me about it, and I said, 'Tiger, that's good, that's good. I'm very happy for both.' But they just let them both be happy. Let them both be happy. They're both great," Trump said in March 2025. 

Vanessa and her daughter, Kai Trump, were seen supporting Woods in the stands just days ago. 

Although Woods had been noncommittal about his plans for the upcoming Masters at Augusta National, President Trump recently suggested that while the golfer would be in attendance, he likely would not be playing in the tournament.

Details of the roadside investigation

The arrest occurred after a collision where law enforcement officials alleged that Woods’ vehicle struck another car.

Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek held a news conference to explain why his deputies moved forward with the DUI charge despite the golfer’s history of physical ailments. 

"DUI investigators came to the scene here, and Mr. Woods did exemplify signs of impairment. They did several tests on him. Of course, he did explain the injuries and the surgeries that he had. We did take that into account, but they did do some in-depth roadside tests," the Sheriff stated. 

While investigators eventually ruled out alcohol, the refusal to complete all testing led to the specific charges filed against him. 

"We really weren't suspicious of alcohol being involved in this case, and that proved to be true at the jail. … But when it came time for us to ask for a urinalysis test, he refused. And, so, he's been charged with DUI, with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test," Budensiek added.