Is Trump calling for Tiger Woods to be pardoned? Fact-checking social posts that go viral after DUI arrest

“I was just told Tiger WoodsA great golfer, and even a great American, was involved in a minor fender bender today and due to a misunderstanding he was charged with a horrific DUI. This happened when he was trying to return to professional golf. Honestly, everyone deserves a second chance, but Tiger never got one. That’s why I’m calling on Governor Ron DeSantis to pardon Tiger immediately and completely so he can focus on the Masters and help make golf great again! ” the alleged post reads.

It was shared widely on social media. One account shared it on X and wrote “Awesome.” As of this writing, the post has been viewed over 1 million times.

Grok also fact-checked this claim and wrote “No, this is not an actual post from Trump. This is a satirical meme created by Tiger Woods yesterday after his DUI arrest after a rollover crash in Florida. Trump expressed sympathy for Woods but did not ask DeSantis for any pardon or post this content.”

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While Trump did not publish a post on The Truth Society seeking to pardon Woods, the president did address the crash. Trump was asked about the incident as he arrived in Miami to speak at the Future Investment Initiative Priorities Summit.

He said: “I feel bad. He had some difficulties. There was an accident, that’s all I know. He’s a very close friend of mine. He’s a great guy, a great guy. But there were some difficulties.” When asked if Woods was injured, Trump continued, “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Woods was driving the Land Rover at high speed on a two-lane road near his home when the accident occurred. The accident occurred when Woods was trying to pass a truck towing a trailer. According to officials, Woods showed signs of injury when he arrived on scene. This resulted in a DUI investigation. A breathalyzer test was performed after Woods was brought in, but the results confirmed there was no alcohol in his system.

Woods was charged with driving under the influence (DUI), property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test and was booked into the Martin County Jail.