Body camera recordings released on April 2, 2026 reveal that Tiger Woods said he had spoken with President Donald Trump immediately following his SUV collision on Jupiter Island, Florida—a disclosure that has generated significant controversy about the 15-time major champion’s judgment in the moments before his second driving under the influence arrest.
The March 27 incident occurred just before 2 p.m. when Woods’ black Land Rover collided with the back of a pickup truck that was pulling a pressure-washing trailer on Beach Road. The 50-year-old golfer had crossed the center line while allegedly looking at his phone and changing radio stations. His vehicle rolled onto its side, though no one was hurt.
Body camera video from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office shows Woods ending a phone conversation as Deputy Tatiana Levenar arrived at the scene. “Thank you so much. All right. You got it. Bye,” Woods said into the phone before telling the officer: “Yeah, I was just talking to the president.”
The White House has not confirmed whether President Trump spoke with Woods immediately after the accident. However, Trump addressed journalists about his longtime friend several hours later when he arrived in Miami on Air Force One for an investment conference. “I feel so badly. He’s got some difficulty,” Trump remarked about Woods, noting that he has considerable pain. “Very close friend of mine. He’s an amazing person.”
Woods and the president’s connection extends beyond their shared interest in golf. Woods is currently dating Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. and mother to five of the president’s grandchildren. Woods’ Jupiter Island home sits about 30 miles north of Mar-a-Lago, and the two have golfed together numerous times. In 2019, President Trump awarded Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom to recognize his comeback from serious injuries.
The body camera video shows the full sequence leading to Woods’ arrest. Deputy Levenar gave Woods field sobriety tests that he struggled with, limping throughout because of his prior surgical procedures—seven spinal surgeries and more than 20 procedures on his right leg. Woods wore a compression sleeve on his right knee and was sweating heavily while hiccupping during the questioning.
Woods described the collision simply: “I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden—boom.”
Woods passed a breath test showing no alcohol present, but officers found two white hydrocodone pills in his pocket during a search. He told officers he had taken “a few” medications that day but refused to take a urine test. Deputy Levenar concluded in her report that Woods’ faculties were impaired and arrested him for DUI.
The arrest report notes Woods appeared disoriented. Upon being told he was under arrest, Woods insisted he was not intoxicated but was taking prescription drugs.
Florida revised its law in October 2025 to classify declining a breath, blood, or urine test as a second-degree misdemeanor on a first offense. Woods is now facing DUI charges with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. He entered a not guilty plea on April 1 and published a statement saying he would take time away from golf “for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health.” Woods also resigned from his position as U.S. Ryder Cup captain for 2027.
The Trump phone call has drawn harsh backlash. Television personality Megyn Kelly referred to it as “a douche move” on her YouTube show Friday, implying Woods was trying to use his connection to the president to evade accountability.
This marks Woods’ second DUI arrest within the last decade. In May 2017, authorities discovered him unconscious in his vehicle in Jupiter, Florida, and he subsequently admitted to reckless driving. The golf legend has dealt with physical injuries that have prevented him from playing competitively since the 2024 British Open. He was preparing for the Masters tournament when the accident occurred, as part of an ongoing cycle of physical challenges beginning with a severe 2021 Los Angeles car crash that came close to requiring his right leg to be amputated.
Police car footage depicts a restrained Woods hiccupping, yawning, and repeatedly falling asleep during the 15-minute trip to Martin County Jail. He was discharged later and taken home by private car. The case progresses through Florida courts as one of golf’s most recognizable names encounters another personal disaster that has dominated attention away from his remarkable sports legacy.
