President Donald Trump said Wednesday that it is a “good thing” Tiger Woods is undergoing treatment after police said they found the golf star in possession of opioids following a rollover car crash.
“It’s a good thing that he’s doing, but he’s going to end up being terrific,” the president told Reuters. “He’s a great guy. He’s one of the greatest people I’ve known. He’s a great champion. … He’ll be fine.”
Woods, who is dating Trump’s ex-daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump, was involved in a car crash on Friday in Florida. Police charged him with driving under the influence, saying he “did exemplify signs of impairment.” The impairment appeared to be the result of powerful pain pills that, according to a probable cause arrest affidavit, were found in his car.
Police found Woods with bloodshot eyes and two hydrocodone pills in his pocket, according to the affidavit released Tuesday. Hydrocodone can be a highly addictive medication that doctors can prescribe to treat chronic pain after surgeries or injuries. Woods showed no signs of alcohol intoxication on a breathalyzer.
Woods pleaded not guilty on Tuesday in the DUI case. The golf legend announced the same day he is stepping away from golf to seek treatment “in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.” He has been recovering from a seventh back surgery in October 2025 and was looking to return at the Masters.
“I understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in his statement. “I’m committed to take the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally.”
In the affidavit, a Martin County sheriff’s deputy asked Woods if he had consumed any prescription medication, to which he stated, I take a few.”
“I asked Woods if he had any medical conditions,” the deputy wrote in the affidavit. “Woods advised he’s had seven back surgeries and over twenty operations on his leg.”
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Trump told the New York Post on Tuesday that the “amazing” Woods “lives a life of pain” because of his injuries but is “doing great.”
Trump said he had talked with Woods and that “he tested negative for alcohol, as you know, and he is under a tremendous physical pressure from his various ailments, you know, the back and the leg.”