Following a car crash in Florida on March 27, 2026, golfer Tiger Woods was arrested on a DUI charge. Body camera footage released on Thursday revealed that after the incident, Woods, while communicating with a deputy, stated, “I was just talking to the president.” Although the conversation was not recorded, he was heard thanking someone on the phone just moments before the deputy approached him. There is speculation that Woods was speaking to former President Donald Trump, especially considering that Trump's ex-daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump, is reported to be dating Woods.
After Woods' arrest, Trump expressed his concern for the golfer, stating, "I feel so badly. He’s got some difficulty. Very close friend of mine." However, the White House has not commented on whether Trump had been in contact with Woods following the crash.
The footage showed Woods appearing stunned as he was handcuffed after failing a sobriety test. Subsequent video captured him in the patrol car, where he was observed hiccupping, yawning, and seemingly nodding off during the car ride. Authorities noted that Woods admitted to looking at his phone and changing the radio station when his speeding Land Rover hit the back of a truck, causing it to roll onto its side on a residential road in Jupiter Island. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported from the incident.
During questioning, Woods claimed, “I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden—boom.” Martin County Sheriff’s Deputy Tatiana Levenar conducted a roadside sobriety test and subsequently arrested Woods, informing him that his normal faculties were impaired due to an unknown substance. Woods responded in disbelief, “I’m being arrested?” to which Levenar affirmed, “Yes, sir.” Following his arrest, authorities discovered two white pills in Woods’ pockets, which he identified as Norco, a painkiller containing acetaminophen and the opioid hydrocodone. It was later confirmed that Woods was in possession of hydrocodone.
In the footage, Woods maintained that he had not consumed any alcohol and had taken “a few” medications earlier in the day. However, specific details concerning these medications were muted in the video. At the sheriff's office, Woods asserted he was not drunk but rather on prescription medication, according to a supplemental report from the sheriff's office. A Breathalyzer test returned no signs of alcohol, but Woods refused to take a urine test, a decision that may have consequences under a new Florida law making refusal a misdemeanor even for first offenses.
Difficulties with his physical condition were evident during the sobriety tests, where deputies observed Woods limping and wearing a compression sock on his right knee. Woods explained that he had undergone seven back surgeries and over 20 surgeries on his right leg, noting that his ankle seizes up while walking. His behavior during the field sobriety test raised concerns; he was hiccupping and moving his head during the tests, prompting deputies to frequently remind him to keep his head still.
Deputy Levenar later wrote in the arrest report that based on her observations and professional training, she believed Woods' faculties were impaired, making him unable to drive safely. As one of the most influential figures in golf, Tiger Woods has long been a well-known athlete worldwide. His history, including being the first person of Black heritage to win the Masters in 1997, further amplifies the scrutiny around his actions and health struggles.
Woods has faced significant personal challenges, particularly stemming from a 2021 car crash that severely injured his right leg, leading to considerations of amputation by doctors. His recent injuries and surgeries have significantly limited his ability to participate in golfing events, including his absence from the Masters, where he is a five-time champion. Following his DUI charge, Woods pleaded not guilty and announced he would step away indefinitely to seek treatment and focus on his health.
