Trump’s History of Nicknames — Both Given and Received
Donald Trump is famous for giving nicknames to his political rivals. He has called Hillary Clinton “Crooked Hillary” and Joe Biden “Sleepy Joe.” Even Nikki Haley earned the nickname “Birdbrain” after a 2023 debate. Other targets include California Governor Gavin Newsom (“Governor Newscum”), Bernie Sanders (“Crazy Bernie”), and Kamala Harris (“Tampon Tim”).
However, Trump hasn’t just handed out nicknames — he’s received some too. One nickname stands out and relates to his golf game, which has sparked cheating rumors.
Trump’s Love for Golf and Controversies on the Course
During his presidency, Trump played golf more than 40 times, drawing criticism for golfing during crises. For instance, he played when markets were tanking due to his tariff policies and even during the Jeffrey Epstein controversy in July 2019.
He boasted about winning several club championships, including the Senior Club Championship. Yet, reports surfaced that no one actually saw him playing in some tournaments, raising questions about his honesty on the course.
“Commander in Cheat”: The Book Accusing Trump of Golf Cheating
Sportswriter Rick Reilly penned a book titled Commander in Cheat, accusing Trump of cheating on the golf course. On MSNBC’s Deadline White House, Reilly described Trump as someone who “cannot lose” and “will do anything to cheat.”
Reilly shared personal stories, revealing that Trump took seven mulligans and even invented “give me chip-in” shots during their rounds together. Reilly also claimed Trump won tournaments without playing and even called in victories remotely.
Trump’s Camp Responds to Cheating Allegations
In 2024, Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, dismissed Reilly’s accusations. He accused Reilly of “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and suggested Reilly envied Trump’s golf skills instead of working to improve his own.
More Voices on Trump’s Golf Conduct
Jack O’Donnell, former vice president of Trump Plaza Casino and son of a golf course founder, recalled hearing that Trump improved the position of his golf balls during play. Mark Eddis, who played with Trump, reportedly said Trump “kicked every shot but the tee shot” into better spots.
Reilly also wrote for Golf.com that Trump “cheats like a three-card Monte dealer,” frequently moving the ball and lying about it.
The “Pele” Nickname: A Cheating Comparison
At Trump’s home course, Winged Foot, caddies have nicknamed him “Pele,” after the famous Brazilian soccer player. This is because Trump reportedly kicks his golf ball back onto the fairway — a clear rule violation.
Bryan Marsal, Winged Foot member and 2020 U.S. Open chair, recalled playing with Trump. Marsal said Trump openly admitted, “You see those two guys? They cheat. See me? I cheat. And I expect you to cheat too, because we’re going to beat those two guys.”
Marsal added, “Trump believes if everyone cheats, it’s not really cheating.”
