“Didn’t find alcohol on him”: Donald Trump calls Tiger Woods “a great guy,” says pain meds for “horrible back” triggered DUI arrest

During an interview with Fox News, President Donald Trump reacted to Tiger Woods’ plea deal in the Florida rollover crash case. He defended the golf star after his DUI arrest, stating that prescription pain medication for a severe back injury caused the incident rather than alcohol.

Trump told the outlet:

"Look, I know Tiger, very well. He's a great guy. He's unique in so many ways, especially as an athlete, but also as a man. He suffers great pain, great pain."

He further added, noting that Woods had a back operation and is in pain:

"It's a very tough situation because they didn't find alcohol on him. He didn't test positive at all for alcohol. But because of his horrible back – he had a back operation that did not work out well.”

According to a report in Golfweek, Tiger Woods was arrested on March 27 by Martin County deputies on charges of DUI with property damage after a crash near his Jupiter Island home.

Continue to read for more.

Tiger Woods DUI arrest explained as he reaches a plea deal

Tiger Woods reached a plea deal in Florida to resolve misdemeanor charges that stemmed from his March 2026 arrest. He was previously arrested for DUI in May 2017 when police found him asleep at the wheel of his parked car.

He reportedly pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of reckless driving and refusal to submit to a lawful test. Woods agreed to pay $1,500 in fines and to have his driver’s license suspended for five years.

Woods was seen at the Martin County courthouse with Vanessa Trump, and attorney Doug Duncan. Vanessa Trump was married to Donald Trump Jr., the eldest child of Trump.

In a March 27 car crash, Tiger Woods clipped a pickup truck with his vehicle, causing his car to roll over onto its side. According to Woods’ statement to the police, he was checking his phone and changing the radio station when the accident occurred. Neither Woods nor the truck driver reported injuries.

Deputies reported that Woods showed no signs of impairment on the scene, but they found two hydrocodone pain pills in his pocket, and he refused to take additional chemical tests. He agreed to take a Breathalyzer but showed no signs of alcohol. But the authorities reported that he refused the urine test.

Woods was taken to the Martin County Jail after the crash, where the staff requested “medical clearance from the hospital” because of the crash. He refused all medical treatments at the hospital and was returned to jail.

In his message to Tiger Woods, Thomas Bakkedahl, state attorney for the 19th Judicial District, said:

Trending

“If I can send any message to Mr. Woods, it’s simply this: of all the people in the world who should not get behind the wheel of a car, it’s the gentleman who is one of the most recognizable faces on the planet. Somebody will see him, whether it’s in Georgia or Nevada or New York or where have you. He’s not to drive a car.”

Trump called Tiger Woods’ plea deal “very fair” and expressed relief that the legal matter was resolved. He stated that the five-year license suspension and resolution were appropriate given the circumstances.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback