White House Exempts Golf, Tennis Gear from Tariffs After Club-Member Appeals

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday announced a new exemption from selected import tariffs for golf and tennis equipment, after members of several of his private clubs complained that higher duties were pushing up the prices of clubs, racquets and related gear.

In a brief statement from the White House, Trump said the administration would suspend tariffs on a defined list of imported sporting goods, including golf clubs, golf balls, tennis racquets, strings, and some accessories. The exemption would take effect next month and remain under review for 12 months, according to an administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the policy before publication.

“People came up to me, with tears in their eyes, saying, 'Gee, Mr. President, the price of golf ball is through the roof. And forget about restringing my racquet,'” Trump said. “'Can't you do something?' Well, I'm doing something.”

The announcement followed weeks of private complaints from members at Trump-branded golf clubs in Florida, New Jersey and elsewhere, according to people familiar with the conversations. Some members said prices had risen sharply for imported equipment and replacement parts, while club professionals said uncertainty over tariffs had delayed orders for the coming season.

The White House did not say whether the club members’ concerns directly prompted the decision. A spokesperson said the exemption was part of a broader review intended to prevent tariffs from creating “unintended pressures” on U.S. consumers and businesses.

Democratic lawmakers and ethics advocates criticized the announcement, saying the White House should disclose whether people with business or social ties to the president played a role in shaping the exemption.

“The public deserves to know whether trade policy is being set according to a consistent economic standard or according to who has access,” said one congressional aide.

The administration rejected that criticism. The White House spokesperson said the policy review covered a range of products and that the administration had received input from manufacturers, retailers, sports organizations and consumers.

Supporters of the exemption argued that narrowly tailored relief can help U.S. retailers and recreational players without changing the administration’s broader tariff strategy. Critics countered that product-specific exemptions can create uncertainty for companies whose goods remain subject to the duties.

For golfers and tennis players, the immediate impact may be limited. Retailers said the effect will depend on the exact products covered, the origin of individual components and whether importers pass their savings on to customers.