What's happened
The Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, NJ, received a health score of 32 out of 100, the lowest in Somerset County, due to multiple violations. Following a reinspection, the club improved to a score of 86 but still faced criticism from its management regarding the inspection process.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights:
- The initial inspection revealed 18 violations, including improper food storage and contamination risks, leading to a score of 32.
- The club's management, led by David Schutzenhofer, has publicly denounced the inspections as politically motivated, stating, "Never before have we witnessed such visceral hostility from the Health Department."
- Following a reinspection, the club received a score of 86, but new violations were noted, including improperly chilled dairy products.
Implications:
- The controversy surrounding the inspections raises questions about the intersection of health regulations and political narratives, particularly given Trump's ongoing prominence in national politics.
- The club's management's response reflects a broader trend where businesses may perceive regulatory scrutiny as politically charged, potentially impacting public trust in health departments.
- As the story unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor how this affects the club's reputation and operations, especially in light of Trump's continued involvement in the political arena.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the Trump National Golf Club's initial inspection revealed expired milk and improperly stored raw meat, leading to a score of 32. The club's management responded by claiming the inspections were politically motivated, with Schutzenhofer stating, "This is clearly nothing more than a politically motivated attack." In contrast, The Independent reported that the club improved its score to 86 after a follow-up inspection, but still faced criticism for new violations. The NY Post highlighted another restaurant's closure due to health violations, illustrating a broader issue of food safety in the region. This juxtaposition emphasizes the varying degrees of scrutiny faced by different establishments and raises questions about the consistency of health inspections.
How we got here
The Trump National Golf Club, a favored retreat for former President Trump, underwent a health inspection on May 6, 2025, revealing significant violations. The club's management has since claimed the inspections were politically motivated.
Go deeper
- What specific violations were found during the inspections?
- How has the club's management responded to the health department?
- What are the implications for food safety regulations in New Jersey?
Common question
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What Caused the Low Health Score for Trump’s Golf Club?
The Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, NJ, recently made headlines after receiving a low health score of 32 out of 100. This score raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about food safety and health inspections in the hospitality industry. What led to this score, and how did the club manage to improve it? Here are some common questions and answers surrounding this controversy.
More on these topics
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Bedminster is a township in Somerset County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township's population was 8,165, reflecting a decline of 137 from the 8,302 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 1,216 f
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New Jersey is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the Northeastern United States. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York; on the east, southeast, and south by the Atlantic Ocean; on the west by the Delaware River and Pennsylvania;