8:02 pm - February 12, 2025
The discovery of a presidential seal on a golf marker at a fifth Trump golf course has sparked fresh concerns about the former president’s use of symbols associated with the presidency for commercial purposes. This recent development suggests that Donald Trump continues to blur the line between his public office and private business ventures, raising questions about compliance with federal laws. The issue gained attention after Instagram posts from 2024 showed golf markers at Trump’s Westchester, New York, golf course prominently displaying the presidential seal. This is not the first time such markers have been spotted at Trump-owned properties; similar instances have been reported at golf courses in Florida, New Jersey, and New York City. While federal law prohibits the use of the presidential seal in a manner that could imply government endorsement or approval, the Trump Organization has not commented on the matter.
The use of the presidential seal on golf markers appears to violate a federal statute that explicitly forbids its use for commercial purposes. The law states that the seal cannot be used “in a manner reasonably calculated to convey a false impression of sponsorship or approval by the government.” Violations of this law can result in fines or even imprisonment for up to six months. Despite these legal restrictions, Trump’s golf courses have repeatedly been found using the presidential seal in ways that could be seen as leveraging the prestige of the presidency for business gain. For instance, in 2018, the Trump Organization removed similar markers from one of its golf courses in West Palm Beach after media outlets reported on the practice. At the time, a spokesperson claimed the markers were a gift, but documentation showed that the Trump International organization had purchased them.
This issue highlights a longstanding pattern of behavior by Trump, who has faced criticism for blurring the lines between his public office and private business interests. During his presidency, Trump frequently hosted events and meetings at his own properties, generating controversy over whether he was using the presidency to boost his personal brand. In 2017, just before his inauguration, Trump’s attorney Sheri Dillon promised that he would take steps to avoid exploiting the presidency for personal gain. However, the continued use of the presidential seal at his golf courses suggests that these assurances may not have been fully realized.
The controversy over the presidential seal is part of a larger narrative about Trump’s approach to blending politics and business. Even after leaving office, Trump has continued to leverage his political influence to promote his business ventures. For example, less than 18 hours after Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the 2024 election, Trump’s online retail store sent out an email promoting a new “45-47 collection,” a reference to his status as both the 45th and would-be 47th president. This aggressive marketing strategy underscores Trump’s ability to capitalize on his political persona to drive sales and maintain a connection with his base.
Trump’s ability to merge politics and business has been a defining feature of his career. His golf empire, which includes properties around the world, has been a key part of his business portfolio. While the exact valuation of his golf courses is not publicly disclosed, Forbes estimates Trump’s total net worth at $5.8 billion, with a significant portion tied to his real estate holdings. By using the presidential seal at his golf courses, Trump may be attempting to enhance the prestige of his brand while maintaining a connection to his political identity.
The ongoing debate over Trump’s use of the presidential seal at his golf courses raises important questions about the ethics of mixing public office and private business. Critics argue that such practices undermine the integrity of the presidency and create the appearance of impropriety. Meanwhile, Trump’s supporters often dismiss these concerns as politically motivated attacks on a businessman-turned-politician who has successfully built a brand that resonates with his base. Regardless of one’s perspective, the issue highlights the challenges of regulating the use of government symbols in a way that balances free enterprise with respect for the institutions of democracy. As Trump continues to navigate the intersection of politics and business, this controversy is unlikely to fade anytime soon.