Golf legend Tiger Woods was arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) following a single-vehicle rollover crash on Friday afternoon. President Donald Trump, a longtime confidant of the 15-time major champion, expressed immediate concern for Woods before the details of the impairment charges were made public.
The Incident and Arrest
The accident occurred around 2:00 p.m. on March 27 along South Beach Road in Jupiter Island. According to Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek, Woods’ SUV overturned during the wreck. Although the 50-year-old golfer escaped without physical injuries, he was placed under arrest and transported to the Martin County Jail.
Woods faces a charge of DUI with property damage. During a Friday afternoon press conference, Sheriff Budensiek reported that Woods appeared “lethargic” and displayed clear signs of impairment. However, authorities noted that alcohol was not a factor.
“Woods did not consume alcohol,” Budensiek stated, adding that the golfer allegedly refused a urinalysis. Investigators believe Woods may have been impaired by medication or another substance. Woods reportedly informed deputies of his extensive medical history, including a seventh back surgery performed last autumn.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the crash but prior to the sheriff’s disclosure of the DUI charge, President Trump, 79, voiced his support for the golfer.
“I feel so badly,” the President said. “He’s got some difficulty. There was an accident and that’s all I know.” Trump repeatedly characterized Woods as a “very close friend” and an “amazing man,” though he declined to elaborate further on the “difficulty” Woods was facing.
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A Complex Connection
The bond between the President and the golf icon has remained high-profile for years. In 2019, Trump awarded Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Woods has consistently maintained a stance of professional respect for the executive branch, regardless of the incumbent.
The relationship has recently entered a more personal sphere. Woods is currently dating Vanessa Trump, 48, the President’s former daughter-in-law and the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. The pair was seen together just days ago on March 24 at the TGL finals in Los Angeles. That appearance marked a significant return for Woods, who was sidelined for the entirety of 2025 due to ongoing injury recovery.
Woods has been a frequent guest at the White House over the past year, attending several high-level events, including a Black History Month celebration in February 2025.
