Donald Trump is set to make an appearance at this weekend’s LIV Golf Miami tournament at Trump National Doral, solidifying his continued support for the Saudi-backed league. However, his decision comes under scrutiny as he opts to remain in Florida instead of attending the dignified transfer of four U.S. soldiers who died in Lithuania. In late March 2025, four U.S. soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division died during a NATO training exercise in Lithuania when their recovery vehicle sank into a peat bog. Deployed under Operation Atlantic Resolve, they were honored in a Vilnius ceremony before a dignified transfer at Dover AFB, attended by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Hence, the timing of Trump’s golf appearance has sparked debate, especially after his earlier misstep in acknowledging the soldiers’ deaths. With LIV Golf teeing off in Miami, Trump’s presence ensures the event will be about more than just golf.

Fox News Pentagon reporter Jennifer Griffin tweeted: “President Trump will remain in Florida and will not travel to Dover AFB for the dignified transfer of 4 American soldiers who died during a training exercise in Lithuania. The LIV Golf tournament begins today. Trump just arrived at his golf club. Defense Secretary Hegseth will travel to Dover Air Force Base mid-morning to participate in the dignified transfer of four U.S. soldiers who died last week in Lithuania. The soldiers, who were all based with the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia, have been identified as Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., 25, of Joliet, Illinois; Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, 25, of Glendale, California; Pfc. Dante D. Taitano, 21, of Dededo, Guam; and Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins, 28, of Battle Creek, Michigan. Here is how the government of Lithuania honored the 4 American soldiers in Vilnius yesterday.”

As President Trump touched down in Miami, his itinerary blended politics, business, and golf in a way that has become characteristic of his presidency engagements. However, his arrival at Trump National Doral was momentarily delayed when Marine One suffered a flat tire, requiring a quick repair before he finally landed near the ninth green of the Blue Monster course—just in time for LIV Golf’s 54-hole tournament. Greeted by fans in MAGA gear, Trump took a lap near the back patio, waving before heading into the clubhouse, where snipers kept watch from the roof.

“I think I’m making a speech to the players,” Trump shared while on Air Force One. He additionally remarked, “Great players. Some of the best players in the world.” The President was driven to the edge of the Hotel property in a golf cart, which was being driven by his son Eric Trump. Jr. Trump had arrived at the course earlier to participate in the Pro-Am alongside Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and others.

His excitement palpable, the following evening set the stage for a weekend of high-profile fundraising and leisure, with Trump scheduled to attend a $1 million-a-person MAGA Inc. dinner at Mar-a-Lago before making his way to Trump National Golf Club Jupiter. Meanwhile, LIV Golf’s Bryson DeChambeau, a longtime Trump supporter, expressed his excitement about reuniting with the former president. Having played golf with Trump last summer and joined him on stage after the 2016 election, DeChambeau described him as “a smart individual” and was hopeful that he would participate in Thursday’s Pro-Am alongside Eric Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis.

Speaking on Fox & Friends about his time with the president, emphasizing the camaraderie rather than the politics at the dinner, DeChambeau shared: “We were with Kid Rock and the Governor, and we just had a great dinner, you know?” DeChambeau said. “We didn’t talk much about politics, we just enjoyed our time together. And we’re honestly really grateful that he’s given us the golf course to play on, and are super excited to be around him.”

This sense of camaraderie and appreciation for Trump’s support of the game seemed to set the tone for the discussions surrounding golf at his resort, as the former president addressed another key issue: the potential merger of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

‘A great thing’ for golf: Trump on PGA-LIV merger

President Donald Trump reiterated his strong stance on merging the PGA Tour and LIV Golf as he arrived at his resort for the LIV event on Thursday. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated, “Ultimately, hopefully, the two tours are going to merge. That’ll be good. I’m involved in that too.”

Trump, who has been involved in the ongoing talks between the two tours for over a year, expressed hope that the merger would soon come to fruition, adding, “But hopefully we’re going to get the two tours to merge. You have the PGA Tour and the LIV Tour. And I think having them merge would be a great thing.” His comments reflect a continued push for unity in professional golf, despite the complexities surrounding the merger talks.

Trump’s involvement only amplifies the stakes. His presence at Doral ensures massive attention, but also reinforces the league’s polarizing political ties—a stark contrast to the PGA Tour’s traditional approach. As LIV tries to carve out its place in professional golf, this weekend may be a defining chapter in its ongoing battle for legitimacy.

As Round 1 of LIV Golf Miami unfolds, familiar faces are making their mark. Patrick Reed surged to the top of the leaderboard, carding a sizzling 4-under through nine holes, setting the pace with sharp irons and steady putting. Hot on his heels is Bryson DeChambeau, sitting at 3-under through 10. Phil Mickelson isn’t far behind, showing flashes of vintage Lefty magic as he cruises at 2-under through 10. The opening round is already shaping up to be a thriller.