President Donald Trump’s security team has unveiled a new armored vehicle, ‘Golf Force One,’ designed to provide protection during his golf outings. This specialized vehicle, a Polaris UTV with an add-on armor kit, has been deployed to safeguard the president following a recent assassination attempt on him while he was playing golf at his Florida course. The White House confirmed that the vehicle is part of a broader fleet of specialty vehicles used for presidential protection.
The introduction of ‘Golf Force One’ comes in the wake of a high-profile assassination attempt on Trump in September 2024, which occurred while he was on a golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. During this incident, a Secret Service agent discovered a man hiding in the brush with a rifle pointed directly at the president. The agent fired at the suspect, preventing a potential tragedy. The use of this new armored vehicle appears to be a direct response to such threats, ensuring the president is protected in wide-open spaces where golf courses are often located.
Previously, in 2024, another individual opened fire at Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulting in the death of an attendee. In 2020, Iran had also threatened Trump with a drone strike on a golf course, as a form of retaliation for the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. These incidents underscore the heightened security concerns surrounding the president, especially during public appearances and recreational activities.
The newly introduced ‘Golf Force One’ is part of a broader fleet that includes the ‘Beast,’ a massive 10-ton mobile fortress with thick walls and reinforced windows designed to withstand high-caliber rounds. This fleet is equipped with various defensive tools, including tear gas, grenades, and pump-action shotguns. The addition of ‘Golf Force One’ highlights the ongoing efforts to maintain the highest level of security for the president, particularly during activities where he is more exposed to potential threats.
The White House has maintained a consistent approach to presidential security, with the introduction of specialized vehicles reflecting a strategic decision to enhance protection measures. The ‘Golf Force One’ is a practical response to the unique challenges posed by golf outings, which often involve open spaces and a high profile. This new vehicle complements the existing armory of presidential security, which includes the ‘Beast,’ a mobile fortress that has been a symbol of presidential protection over the years.
Despite the presence of these advanced security measures, the incidents involving Trump in 2024 and 2020 have highlighted the persistent risks associated with high-profile political figures. The assassination attempt in West Palm Beach, which was thwarted by the Secret Service, has prompted an even greater emphasis on the need for robust security protocols during such events. The deployment of ‘Golf Force One’ represents a significant investment in safeguarding the president, particularly in environments where the threat of violence is heightened.
As part of the presidential fleet, ‘Golf Force One’ is likely part of a larger initiative to adapt security measures to the specific needs and risks associated with different public engagements. This includes not only physical protection but also the ability to respond swiftly to potential threats. The vehicle’s design, which incorporates scalable armor protection, allows it to be customized to meet the specific security requirements of various scenarios, from routine golf outings to high-risk environments.
The broader implications of this development extend beyond the immediate security concerns of the president. The increased reliance on armored vehicles and advanced protective measures reflects a growing trend in the way high-profile individuals are safeguarded in the modern political landscape. This trend is influenced by both domestic and international factors, including the rising number of threats against political leaders and the evolving nature of potential attacks.