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An impromptu golf course gathering involving Donald Trump and unknown individuals is sparking rumors.
Trump's appearance comes as a federal Department of Justice investigation remains on hold due to a judge ordering a special master to review thousands of documents recovered from Mar-A-Lago. The decision may likely impede any chance of a DOJ indictment due to an unofficial tradition not to make legal moves 60 days or less before elections.
The former president's plane touched ground Sunday at Dulles Airport in Virginia, as part of an unannounced visit that included him dressed in golf clothes. The trip was never mentioned ahead of time on social media or otherwise.
It led to speculation that either Trump's health was deteriorating and he was heading to Walter Reed Hospital, or that the DOJ was going to arrest him.
A Walter Reed spokesperson told Newsweek that it could not comment regarding speculation "out of respect for all of our patients' privacy."
Earlier today Trump wrote on Truth Social and partially quelled such speculation, saying he was "working" at the Trump National Golf Club in Washington D.C. He called it "a wonderful place."
Photos show numerous individuals riding on four separate golf carts, though only Trump and his son, Eric, have been confirmed to be present. Photos also show the group huddled up in conversation on the green of one hole, no golf clubs in sight.
On MSNBC's Morning Joe on Monday, NBC News reporter Ken Dilanian referenced a circulation of videos online showing boxes of more alleged documents being transported to other Trump properties.
One video purportedly showed Trump aides loading boxes onto a plane heading for Bedminster, adding that searches are generally "intrusive" and federal authorities won't investigate "based on a video or theory."
"The more you look at it, the more it's pretty disturbing," Dilanian said. "The banker boxes are the same kinds of boxes that the classified documents [at Mar-A-Lago] were found in. Absent any other kinds of evidence, they would need witnesses telling them, yes, there were classified documents in the boxes and they were taken to Bedminster."
This is just Trump's second trip to Washington D.C. since he lost the election to President Joe Biden. In July of this year, he appeared to give a speech at the America First Policy Institute's two-day "America First Agenda" summit as part of a conservative think-tank started by members of his former administration.
Newsweek reached out to the Trump Organization for comment.
About the writer
Nick Mordowanec is a Newsweek investigative reporter based in Michigan. His focus includes U.S. and international politics and policies, immigration, ... Read more