President Donald Trump praised golf legend Tiger Woods as an “amazing man” on Friday after Woods was involved in a car crash and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The incident occurred just before 2 p.m. on Jupiter Island, Florida, where Woods was involved in a two-car rollover crash. Both drivers were uninjured, authorities say.
Trump, speaking shortly after the crash was reported, described Woods as a close friend.
“I feel so badly,” Trump said. “There was an accident, and that’s all I know. A very close friend of mine — he’s an amazing person, an amazing man.”
It is unclear whether Trump was aware of Woods’s arrest at the time of the comment.
Following the crash, Woods was taken into custody on suspicion of DUI. Police said he appeared impaired when they arrived at the scene. Authorities noted there was no indication of alcohol use, but said the arrest was based on signs of other possible impairment. Woods declined to submit to a urine test, an officer with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office told reporters during a press conference.
The officer also stated that, in addition to being charged with a DUI, Woods is facing charges for property damage and refusal to comply with a lawful test.
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Under local law, individuals arrested under DUI-related charges must remain in custody for at least eight hours before being eligible for bail.
Trump and Woods have maintained a long-standing relationship. In 2019, Trump awarded Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom, calling him a “truly great champion.”
