Well, I would like to say I’m surprised by this, but at this point, nothing surprises me when it comes to Trump and his family.
On Friday, New York City’s mayor pushed for residents to shelter in place and the state’s governor mandated businesses require 75 percent of their staff to work from home in response to the coronavirus. At the same time, the president’s Bronx golf course suggested practicing social distancing by … taking in a round of golf.
On Friday morning, Donald Trump’s money-losing [1] Ferry Point golf club tweeted, “Looking to get some #freshair? The golf course is a great place to relieve stress and exercise social distancing #openingday.”
Looking to get some #freshair [2]? The golf course is a great place to relieve stress and exercise social distancing #openingday [3] pic.twitter.com/ncPuEB9ySv [4]
— Trump Ferry Point (@TrumpFerryPoint) March 20, 2020 [5]
Remember that both the governor of New York and the Mayor of New York City have instructed everyone to stay inside [6]. If one must leave, it should only be for doctor’s appointments or to get crucial items like groceries.
#BREAKING [7]: I will sign an Executive Order mandating that 100% of workforce must stay home, excluding essential services.
This order excludes pharmacies, grocery stores, and others.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 20, 2020 [8]
Now, is it possible to golf and practice social distancing? Of course. But is now really the time to push people to drive to a golf course just to put more money in Trump’s pocket?
From the 1100 Newsletter [9]:
As of 2:00 p.m. Friday it still was possible to book Friday, Saturday, and Saturday tee times at Ferry Point both via its website and by phone. No slots were available the following week though, which is after Cuomo’s order for all workers to stay at home takes effect. Representatives from the Trump Organization have not responded to inquiries asking if Ferry Point had followed the governor’s orders from yesterday and reduced its on-site staff by 75 percent today, whether it still planned to open tomorrow and Sunday, and if the company considered golf an essential service.
On Friday afternoon though, Ben Protess, Steve Eder and Eric Lipton reported for The New York Times that Trump Org EVP Eric Trump said, “As an organization we are following federal, state and local direction and guidance very carefully.”
Now, I am not surprised. After all, money is all that is important to Trump and his family.
Two hours after Ferry Point suggested practicing social distancing by playing golf, Trump’s Sterling, Virginia club did the same.
Today we are grateful for 80 degree weather and 800 acres of golf directly along the Potomac River! @trumpgolfdc [10] is the perfect place to get fresh air, relieve stress and practice social distancing! #golf [11] #dcgolf [12] #trumpgolf [13] #socialdistancing [14] #trumpnationaldc [15] #springgolf [16] pic.twitter.com/8GcqDMrm0m [17]
— Trump Washington DC (@TrumpGolfDC) March 20, 2020 [18]