Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster received a failing health inspection score and blamed political bias, igniting debate over hygiene and fairness.
At a Glance
- A May 6 inspection gave Trump National Golf Club a 32/100—the worst score in Somerset County
- Health violations included expired milk, unsafe meat storage, and inadequate dishwashing
- Inspectors classified 9 out of 18 violations as “critical,” labeling the facility a Risk Level 4
- Management claimed the findings were politically motivated and cited a rapid B-grade reinspection
- Six violations were corrected on site, though two critical issues remained unresolved
A Flunk from the Inspectors
A routine inspection by the Somerset County Department of Health on May 6 scored Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster just 32 out of 100, the lowest among more than 100 county food service establishments. Inspectors flagged 18 violations, including critical issues like expired milk, improperly stored raw meat, and problems with handwashing and commercial dishwashing equipment. The club was assigned a Risk Level 4 status, reserved for facilities with systemic sanitary failures.
Club General Manager David Schutzenhofer rejected the findings as biased, calling them “politically motivated” and defending the property as one of the country’s most “immaculate” private clubs. He emphasized that a follow-up reinspection gave the kitchen a much-improved B (86), though it still cited six violations, two of which were critical.
Watch a report: Trump’s Bedminster Golf Club Flagged for 18 Violations
Health Violations vs. Political Fallout
The failing score rattled a venue often referred to as Trump’s “summer White House,” known for hosting dignitaries and high-profile political meetings. Public scrutiny mounted after news broke that violations included sanitation lapses not typically associated with elite private clubs. Observers quickly split: critics cited the unsanitary conditions as evidence of poor oversight, while allies questioned the motives and timing of the inspection.
This tension underscores how even routine regulatory actions can carry outsized political implications. While the reinspection improved the club’s grade, the initial findings raised legitimate concerns about food safety—especially in a space that regularly entertains top-tier guests.
Final Take
Trump National Golf Club’s failed health inspection exposes more than just expired dairy—it reveals the risks of politicized public health enforcement. Whether the club’s B-grade rebound restores confidence or fuels further suspicion, the episode highlights the need for transparency, independent oversight, and consistent health standards—no matter who owns the property.
