President Donald Trump’s National Golf Club in Bedminster is facing sharp scrutiny after receiving a failing grade in a recent health inspection, with 18 violations that led to the lowest food safety score in Somerset County, according to documents obtained by The Mirror US.
The inspection, conducted last month by the Somerset County Department of Health, gave the exclusive golf club a score of just 32 out of 100. Half of the violations were deemed “critical,” indicating they posed “an unacceptable health risk.”
Among the most troubling findings was the reported lack of basic hygiene standards. The inspector noted that the facility’s handwashing stations failed to provide “warm water, soap, and acceptable handwashing methods.” In addition, a household microwave was found in the main kitchen — a violation of health codes that require all equipment to be commercial-grade. The report mandated its immediate removal.
The inspector also cited the person in charge, David Schutzenhofer, for not demonstrating adequate knowledge of food safety. The report states Schutzenhofer was “not in compliance with risk level 3 retail food establishments that were certified by January 10, 2010.”
No comment has yet been issued by Trump’s Bedminster property in response to the damning report. According to The Daily Beast, the club’s score ranks the lowest among 115 food-serving establishments in the county.
The health inspection news adds to a string of recent embarrassments for the former president, whose upcoming birthday celebration may be marred by bad weather. Trump is expected to host a large military-themed parade in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, but forecasters are warning that the event could be disrupted by storms.
“Temperatures for the hours leading up to the parade will be well into the 80s, and it will feel like the middle 90s,” said Accuweather senior meteorologist Thomas Kines. “Unfortunately, there is the risk of a thunderstorm in the evening, which can bring downpours,” he added.
Weather.com projects a high of 81°F with a 63% chance of rain and humidity levels reaching up to 92%. The evening may remain warm and humid, potentially complicating crowd control and safety efforts.
Despite the forecast, the Secret Service is proceeding with major security preparations. Matt McCool of the agency’s Washington Field Office told the Associated Press that over 18 miles of “anti-scale fencing” will be installed and “multiple drones” deployed, even though Washington, D.C. is typically a no-fly zone.
Officials estimate that up to 200,000 people may attend the parade, with McCool noting they’re ready for even larger crowds. “If a million people show up, then we’re going to have some lines,” he said.