Topline
One of President Donald Trump’s New Jersey golf clubs received a 32 out of 100 health inspection score in May, the lowest grade in Somerset County, after it was flagged for 18 violations, including all three requirements in the “food protected from contamination” category.
Donald Trump during the 2007 launch of Trump Steaks at the Sharper Image in New York City. (Photo by … More Stephen Lovekin/WireImage for Hill & Knowlton)
Key Facts
The Somerset County Department of Health inspected Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster on May 6, according to the report, which is publicly available online.
The club received a score of 32 out of a 100 possible points, with the inspector documenting 18 violations—nine of which were deemed critical, meaning they “may result in an unacceptable health risk.”
The club was out of compliance with all three requirements in the “food protected from contamination” category, with violations including expired milk, raw meat stored improperly and a dishwasher that may not reach the required temperature (the first two problems were corrected during the inspection).
The inspector also cited four separate hand-washing violations, including sinks without soap or paper towels, one lacking a required sign and another used to store a sanitizer bucket.
The club was issued a “conditionally satisfactory” C grade and required to display a placard with the grade in a visible location.
Spokespeople for the Trump Organization and the Somerset County Health Department did not respond to inquiries.
New Inspection Occurs Hours After Forbes Reports Violations
Roughly three hours after this article was first published, an inspector arrived at Trump’s Bedminster club for its reinspection—despite New Jersey’s sanitary code requiring such visits to be conducted “at an unannounced time.” This time the club earned a B grade with a score of 86—the lowest score possible to still receive that grade. The inspector documented six violations, including two categorized as critical. One was corrected on site. Issues included milk and coffee creamers being kept at 50 degrees Fahrenheit instead of the required 41 degrees, sanitizer concentrations in wiping-cloth buckets that were too low and mops being stored in buckets rather than being air-dried. A spokesperson for the Somerset County Department of Health declined to comment, citing department policy to let the reports speak for themselves.
Surprising Fact
Of the roughly 115 retail food establishments inspected in Somerset County in May, Trump’s club received the lowest score—32 out of 100. All but one other venue scored 60 or higher, according to a county records search.
Chief Critic
“[The person in charge] fails to demonstrate knowledge of food safety,” the inspector noted amid the volume and severity of the violations, which is a violation in and of itself under the health code.
Key Background
Trump owns the Bedminster golf club through a web of companies and the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust, the same structure he used during his first term. Trump is the sole beneficiary of the trust, and can earn income from his businesses during his presidency. He spent more than 100 days at the property during his first term—second only to Mar-a-Lago—according to Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a watchdog. All retail food establishments in New Jersey, including those on private golf courses, are subject to at least one inspection per year under state law.
Big Number
180—that’s the minimum temperature required for a commercial dishwasher’s final rinse under Somerset County guidelines. The gauge on Trump’s kitchen dishwasher didn’t even go that high, maxing out at 170 degrees.
Contra
Trump described a Bedminster membership as “an investment in life, luxury & leisure,” touting its “top amenities & services” in a 2014 tweet.
Crucial Quote
“Observed household microwave in the main kitchen,” the inspector wrote. “Must be removed. Only commercial grade equipment allowed in Retail food establishment.”
Tangent
Trump’s Bedminster club continues to serve alcohol nearly a year after New Jersey declined to renew its liquor license, citing questions over whether President Trump’s felony convictions disqualify him under state law. The club has a temporary permit, which is set to expire on June 30.
Forbes Valuation
Forbes estimates Donald Trump is worth about $5.1 billion, with much of his wealth coming from his shares in Trump Media.
Further Viewing
Further Reading
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