Fact Check: "Secret Service spends $600,000 on golf carts and port-a-potties for Trump."
What We Know
The claim that the Secret Service is spending $600,000 on golf carts and portable toilets for Donald Trump is based on recent reports regarding the agency's expenditures for his security detail. According to a report by The Independent, the Secret Service is indeed allocating over $600,000 for golf carts and portable toilets for use at Trump's Bedminster property in New Jersey. This expenditure aligns with previous spending patterns, as the Secret Service has been known to rent golf carts and other amenities during Trump's visits to his various properties.
Additionally, historical data indicates that the Secret Service has incurred significant costs related to golf carts at other Trump properties. For example, a 2020 report from the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General noted that the agency spent $4,048 to rent 19 golf carts at Trump Turnberry, a resort in Scotland.
Analysis
The claim is partially true as it accurately reflects the reported expenditure of $600,000 for golf carts and portable toilets, but it lacks context regarding the breakdown of these costs. The reported figure encompasses both golf carts and portable toilets, which are essential for the operational security of the President during his visits to golf clubs.
The reliability of the sources is generally high, particularly The Independent, which is a reputable news outlet. However, it is essential to note that the specific breakdown of how much of the $600,000 is allocated to golf carts versus portable toilets is not detailed in the report. This lack of specificity could lead to misunderstandings about the nature of the expenses.
Moreover, the historical context provided by the DHS report shows that the Secret Service has consistently incurred costs related to Trump's golf outings, reinforcing the notion that such expenses are part of the operational requirements for presidential security.
Conclusion
The verdict is Partially True. While the claim accurately states that the Secret Service is spending $600,000 on golf carts and portable toilets, it does not specify how much of that total is allocated to each category. The expenditures are justified by the need for security during Trump's visits to his properties, but the claim could be misleading if interpreted to suggest that all funds are solely for golf carts.
