Donald Trump has provided an update on Tiger Woods after the golfer’s DUI arrest in Florida on Friday, saying the golfer is “doing great” despite living “a life of pain”.
Woods, 50, was involved in a rollover car crash in Jupiter Island last week, during which his car clipped a pressure-washer vehicle and flipped over before skidding down the road.
He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, and was subsequently released on bail after being kept in jail for eight hours.
At the scene, his breathalyser test showed no signs of alcohol, though a sheriff’s report has stated he had two hydrocodone pills in his pocket
“He tested negative for alcohol, as you know, and he is under a tremendous physical pressure from his various ailments, you know, the back and the leg,” Trump said in a phone interview with the NY Post.
“He lives a life of pain. He has a lot of pain. He’s an amazing guy. He’s an amazing athlete. He does have pain. He doesn’t have an alcohol problem, but he does have pain.
Trump previously called Woods “a very close friend of mine” and “an amazing man”, and the golfer is currently dating Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr., who she shares five kids with.
This is the second DUI incident that Woods has been involved in - after a previous arrest in Florida in May 2017 - while he was also involved in a serious crash in California in 2021.
Along with driving under the influence, Woods was also charged with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
A recent change to Florida law means that refusing a law enforcement officer's request to take a breath, blood or urine test is now a misdemeanour even for a first offence.
Woods’ first court date is set for 23 April, while it remains to be seen whether the 50-year-old will compete at the Masters tournament between 9 and 12 April in Augusta, Georgia.
