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Trump golfs with Korean business leaders, Mar-a-Lago under 'tight security'
  • Yonhap News
  • October 19, 2025 at 6:00 AM
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  • Palm Beach police deployment throughout, traffic control… "VIPs are present" to block access to villas
  • Tee-off expected around 10 AM local time... Supporters gathered around the golf course and villa


President Trump's Mar-a-Lago residenceThe Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, where President Donald Trump is staying, on the 18th (local time). Yonhap News.

A "golf meeting" between U.S. President Donald Trump and representatives of South Korean, Japanese, and Taiwanese companies began on the morning of the 18th (local time).


A motorcade, believed to be carrying President Trump, was spotted by Yonhap News departing his Mar-a-Lago residence around 9:08 AM and heading to his Trump International Golf Club in the city.


Police controlled the approximately 5-minute stretch of road from Mar-a-Lago on Palm Beach Island to the golf course in West Palm Beach for 10 minutes. A black vehicle, speeding down the empty road, was noticeable with a figure wearing a white cap, frequently used by President Trump during his rounds, inside.


The White House press pool, following President Trump's movements, also announced, "The President arrived at the golf course at 9:15 AM."


President Trump traveling for a golf meetingThe motorcade of President Trump traveling from Mar-a-Lago resort to the golf course for a golf meeting with South Korean, Japanese, and Taiwanese business leaders at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach on the 18th (local time). Yonhap News.

However, the presence of South Korean business leaders, including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, and Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan, who were known to be playing golf with President Trump, could not be confirmed.


The event, organized at the invitation of SoftBank Chairman Masayoshi Son of Japan, is a gathering where prominent business leaders from Asian allied countries, including South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, play golf with President Trump and U.S. government officials.


It is not yet known who President Trump will be paired with in golf, which typically proceeds with four players per group.


A Washington Post reporter accompanying the White House press pool also stated, "It has not yet been determined who his companions will be today."


Access for outsiders to the golf course entrance was blocked by security guards, and the area around the golf course was densely surrounded by tall trees, making it difficult to see inside.


Judging by President Trump's arrival time at the golf course, it is estimated that the round began around 10 AM using a "shotgun" format where each group tees off simultaneously on their respective holes.


In a park across the road from the golf course, Trump supporters had gathered. They waved flags, played music, and held signs with slogans such as "Keep our president safe."


Although local media reported that "No Kings" protests opposing President Trump were scheduled to take place in various locations across the United States today, and demonstrations were expected in about four places in Palm Beach, no protesters were visible in the vicinity of President Trump's route.


Audrey, a resident of West Palm Beach and a Trump supporter, said, "We come out to cheer every time the President plays golf here," and added, "He should be out in about 5 to 6 hours."


Audrey and her father waiting for President Trump in front of the golf courseAs President Trump's golf meeting with representatives from South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan is underway on the 18th (local time), Audrey (right) and her father, a Trump supporter, are seen sitting on camping chairs in a park across from the golf course, watching the golf course. Yonhap News.

According to local media, President Trump has played golf here 11 times since his re-election.


On the bridge connecting the city of West Palm Beach to Mar-a-Lago residence on Palm Beach Island, police officers were maintaining a strict guard from the entrance.


Those stationed at the entrance and around the perimeter of Mar-a-Lago residence checked the reporter's identification who approached to get a view of the residence and stated, "Close-up photography is not permitted as it is private property. There are VIPs (at the residence)."


Yonhap News


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