Kate Laurensen is a veteran reporter. She started out covering entertainment news for the local city paper before moving up to the City desk. She studied journalism at San Francisco City College for the Arts.
July 28 , 2025
Washington, D.C. — In the wake of viral video footage sparking allegations that President Donald Trump engaged in cheating during a recent golf outing at his Turnberry resort in Scotland, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has firmly defended the president’s golfing conduct.
During a White House press briefing today, Leavitt dismissed the cheating accusations, stating: "It's not cheating—it's winning. The American people elected Donald Trump to be the best golfer in White House history." She further defended the involvement of Trump's caddie in the incident, describing it as "one more example of promises kept for the American people."
The controversy erupted after a video circulated widely on social media showing Trump's golf caddie allegedly dropping a golf ball onto the fairway as Trump approached, an action many interpreted as an attempt to gain an unfair advantage. The clip gained millions of views within a day, reigniting ongoing discussions over the president's golfing ethics. This is not the first time Trump has faced such accusations—critics have long questioned his adherence to golf rules, while supporters generally dismiss these claims as non-issues in what is essentially a casual game.
Leavitt, known for her unwavering loyalty and robust defense of the president, emphasized a positive framing of Trump's golf abilities and athletic qualities. Her comments reflect a consistent administration stance that disputes negative media narratives and frames Trump as a winner both on and off the golf course.
The video and Leavitt’s defense come amid a politically charged environment where the White House frequently contests media reports it deems unfavorable. Leavitt has generally taken a combative approach with the press, demanding that media organizations adhere to what she describes as truthful reporting while pledging to advocate fiercely for the president’s interests.
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