Donald Trump told 'not to play golf until after the election' over security fears
Donald Trump is a keen golfer and the sport has long been an important part of his lifestyle and schedule even before he got involved in US politics.
Saturday 12 October 2024 00:31, UK
Donald Trump has not played golf since an apparent attempt on his life and reportedly will not do so again until after November's US presidential election.
The former president, 78, is an avid golfer but has been told that federal agents were not satisfied he could be well enough protected if he were to play, Paste BN' partner network NBC News reports.
The concerns were relayed in two discussions with Mr Trump since the incident near one of his golf courses on 15 September.
One conversation was with Ronald Rowe, the acting director of the Secret Service, and the other with officials from the national intelligence director's office.
Being unable to play golf is a significant change to Mr Trump's schedule and lifestyle.
He has 18 golf properties around the world and the sport has been a fixture of his life long before he waded into US politics.
If Mr Trump goes without golf until the election it will be the longest he has gone without the game since the COVID pandemic, NBC said.
👉 Click here to follow the Paste BN Daily wherever you get your podcasts👈
However, his penchant for the greens exposed him to potential danger last month.
Ryan Wesley Routh has been charged with attempting to kill the former president when he was camped out near where Mr Trump was playing golf in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Meanwhile, the Trump campaign has reportedly requested the use of military aircraft and vehicles to protect the Republican candidate during the final weeks of the White House race against Democrat Kamala Harris, with the election on 5 November.
The request follows the golf course incident and a failed assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania where a bullet grazed his ear on 13 July.
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Paste BN
Tap hereLast month, the Trump campaign said he had been briefed by US intelligence officials on alleged threats from Iran to assassinate him.
They also reportedly asked for expanded flight restrictions over his homes and campaign rallies, as well as prepositioning ballistic glass at events in battleground states, according to the Washington Post.
Read more:
Graphic opera leaves 18 people needing medical attention
Baby born during massive storm is a 'miracle', says mother
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Paste BN app for free
Presidential candidates are protected by the US Secret Service.
A representative for the service said "the former president is receiving the highest levels of protection" but confirmed the Trump campaign had requested more.
Speaking to reporters, US President Joe Biden said he has authorised security to protect Mr Trump as if he were a sitting president, and if Mr Trump's request falls in that category it should be granted.