President Donald Trump reacted after his friend and golf buddy Tiger Woods had his driver’s license suspended for five years as part of a plea deal in his DUI case.
“I thought it was very fair,” Trump, 80, said in the Oval Office on Wednesday, September 2. “But I think he’s going to have somebody drive him. I told him that a long time [ago]: ‘Why don’t you get somebody to drive you?’ So he’s going to have somebody drive him from now on.”
Trump said Woods, 50, continues to suffer “great pain” due to his long history of back injuries. At the time of his arrest in March, Woods was found with two hydrocodone pills in his pocket.
“They didn’t find alcohol on him,” Trump noted. “He didn’t test positive at all for alcohol. But because of his horrible back — he had, in my opinion, a bad doctor — he had a back operation that did not work out well, and he is under pain. It’s a tough deal when you’re taking a painkiller because you’re under pain, tremendous pain.”
The president added, “He’s a very special guy. I’m glad that was resolved.”
Woods appeared in a Florida courtroom on Wednesday morning, arriving with his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of the president’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.
The 15-time major champion pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of reckless driving and refusal to submit to a lawful test in relation to his arrest in March, which came after he flipped his car during a crash near his home in Florida.
Woods was found guilty of careless driving, a moving violation, and agreed to pay $1,500 in fines.
After Woods initially pleaded not guilty, he announced his plans to enter a rehabilitation center.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in a statement on March 31. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.”
He continued, “I’ve committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
Woods was previously arrested for suspicion of DUI after being found asleep behind the wheel of his car in 2017. After pleading guilty to reckless driving, prosecutors dropped the DUI charge as part of a plea agreement.
