President Donald Trump has long expressed his affection and support for Tiger Woods, and is now taking the unusual step of awarding the young golfer with the Medal of Freedom, the highest award a civilian can receive.
The problem is, like in many areas of Trump’s life, that the situation is muddied by business entanglements.
According to the New York Times, Woods designed a golf course for Trump’s luxury complex in Dubai. Trump also named a villa after him at the Trump National Doral Miami. Since then, Trump has been eager to tout his business partnership with Woods.
Even beyond the dubious move of bestowing such a prestigious award on a business partner, Trump has also ruffled feathers by giving Woods the award when he’s still mid-career. Very few athletes have ever been given the award in general, and for those who have, it’s been a lifetime achievement acknowledgement for changing the sport forever.
Trump is slated to award Woods the Medal on Monday.
