Donald Trump's Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Fla., has removed yardage markers using the Presidential seal after a ProPublica report exposed the Trump Organization's order and usage of the signage.
The ProPublica report revealed a customer named "Trump International" had placed an order with Eagle Sign & Tee for a number of yardage markers that look like the Presidential seal. Using the Presidential seal for any purpose other than official federal government business is considered a crime under federal law. While Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama used the Presidential seal on their golf balls, they were allowed under the law as personal use by a President. Trump clubs using the Presidential seal could be interpreted as being deployed for financial gain.
The ProPublica story did not share the markers, set at the 45-yard distance to the green (since Trump is the 45th President), had already been deployed. However, an Instagram account showed the markers in place at Trump International. ProPublica contacted the Trump Organization for comment, as the markers were removed.
“The plaques were presented to the club by a small group of members, who are incredible fans of the President, in honor of Presidents day [sic] weekend. They were temporary and have since been removed,” said a Trump Organization spokesperson to ProPublica.
That doesn't seem realistic on any point of that statement given who ordered the markers and what they cost.
The Instagram account sharing the seal marker has since been deleted.
