Staff Reports
President Donald Trump made a high-profile appearance at the Trump National Doral Golf Resort in Miami this weekend for the LIV Golf tournament, a major event that drew professional golfers and business leaders alike. The tournament, hosted at one of Trump’s signature properties, served as both a showcase for the sport and an opportunity to discuss pressing economic issues amid the backdrop of his newly announced tariff strategy. While the lush greens of Doral provided a serene setting, the economic and political climate surrounding the event was anything but calm.
Trump’s visit comes on the heels of his declaration of “Liberation Day,” marking the rollout of sweeping tariffs on all imports, including a baseline 10% rate and significantly higher country-specific duties targeting nations like China, Japan, and South Korea. The tariffs, set to begin on April 5, have sparked global economic uncertainty, with markets experiencing sharp declines. Critics argue that these measures risk triggering a recession both in the United States and abroad. Nonetheless, Trump remains optimistic, touting the tariffs as a necessary step to level the playing field in international trade and bring manufacturing jobs back to American soil.
Despite the financial turbulence, Trump used his time at Doral to project confidence in America’s economic future. Speaking to reporters before attending a dinner with LIV golfers and other attendees, he reiterated his belief that these tariffs would ultimately benefit American workers and industries. He also highlighted his administration’s efforts to attract investment through initiatives like the United States Investment Accelerator, which aims to streamline regulatory processes and encourage large-scale domestic projects.
The LIV Golf event itself provided a stark contrast to the economic challenges dominating headlines. Featuring top players like Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau, the tournament underscored Trump’s long-standing connection to professional golf and his efforts to position his properties as premier destinations for major events. The partnership with LIV Golf has been mutually beneficial, boosting revenue for Trump’s resorts while giving the Saudi-backed tour a high-profile platform in the U.S.
However, not all discussions at Doral were focused on golf. Conversations among attendees reportedly touched on broader economic concerns, including inflationary pressures stemming from the tariffs and their potential impact on global trade relations. For Trump supporters present at the event, the weekend symbolized resilience and optimism in the face of adversity—a chance to rally around policies they believe will restore America’s economic strength.
As Trump wrapped up his weekend in Florida, he left behind both a tournament that celebrated leisure and sport and an economy grappling with uncertainty. Whether his tariff strategy will yield the long-term benefits he envisions remains to be seen. For now, however, Trump continues to champion his vision of economic nationalism while enjoying moments of camaraderie on the golf course—a fitting metaphor for his approach to leadership: bold swings with high stakes.
