The Secret Service reportedly banned Tiger Woods from driving President Donald Trump’s grandchildren prior to his recent crash and DUI arrest. Woods is facing misdemeanour charges of driving under the influence, property damage and failure to comply with a lawful test following the incident in Jupiter Island, Florida, on Friday.
Woods was arrested and taken to Martin County Jail before being released on bail after he clipped his Land Rover while attempting to overtake a trailer being towed by a lorry. It caused the 15-time major champion to lose control of the vehicle. The car flipped onto its side and an uninjured Woods managed to climb out through the passenger side. He was cleared of alcohol use after passing a breathalyser test. However, the 50-year-old declined to provide a urine sample to test for other substances. Officers stated Woods displayed “signs of impairment” at the time of his arrest and suspected it was caused by “some type of medication or drug.”
Woods has been in a relationship with Vanessa Trump, the former wife of Donald Trump Jr, for over a year. The golf legend has spent time with her five children, including 17-year-old Kai, an aspiring golfer who has committed to the University of Miami.
According to the New York Post, Woods’ history of driving incidents had raised concerns among Secret Service agents before Friday’s crash. Trump’s extended family is entitled to Secret Service protection until six months after his term concludes in 2029.
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An unnamed source quoted by the outlet said agents are “certainly not letting Tiger Woods [drive with Vanessa Trump’s children in the car] – even without the DUI.”
The source continued: “There would be concern if their kids weren’t being protected by Secret Service.”
Woods pleaded guilty to reckless driving in 2017 following a DUI arrest. He was found asleep at the wheel with minor damage to his vehicle and attributed the situation to an adverse combination of medication. He was given a year’s probation.
In 2021, he was involved in a high-speed collision and suffered serious leg injuries. No drugs or alcohol were found in his system.
Following Friday’s crash, Woods was released on bail after spending eight hours in custody. He is yet to make any comment on the incident.
President Trump, Vanessa’s former father-in-law, spoke about Friday’s collision before it emerged that Woods had been arrested.
He said: “I feel so badly. He’s got some difficulty. There was an accident and that’s all I know. Very close friend of mine. He’s an amazing person, amazing man. But some difficulty.”