Senate Dems want major women’s golf event moved off Trump course

Senate Democrats want a major 2017 women’s golf tournament moved off of a course owned by Donald Trump after the GOP presidential nominee’s controversial remarks about women.

 

Democratic Sens. Bob Casey Jr. (Pa.), Ed Markey (Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (Conn.) on Tuesday sent a letter asking the United States Golf Association (USGA) to move next year’s U.S. Women’s Open to a different location. 

{mosads}“Given the historic role that the LPGA [Ladies Professional Golf Association] has played in advancing the rights of women, and the severity of Mr. Trump’s words and actions over many years, we would encourage you to move the 2017 tournament to a course that isn’t associated with Mr. Trump,” the senators wrote in the letter to USGA chief executive Mike Davis. 

The three senators point to a 2005 recording, published earlier this month by The Washington Post, that includes Trump discussing how he would grope women without their consent, as well the growing number of women who have since accused Trump of sexual misconduct.

“This is about more than one video: it’s a pattern of degrading and dehumanizing women that has occurs over decades,” the senators added. 

In addition to the Women’s Open — currently scheduled to take place in July at Trump National in Bedminster, N.J. — the senators add that the organization should also “seriously consider suspending further events at Trump properties.” 

“In declining future associations with a brand that degrades women, the USGA and LPGA have an opportunity to make clear to the world, and most especially young Americans, that our nation will not tolerate nor do business with anyone or any company that condones or excuses action that constitutes sexual assault,” they wrote. 

Tuesday’s letter is the latest in a push to get the golf organization to move the 2017 tournament. One league event was moved last year from a Trump course in Miami to Mexico, though the move was linked to sponsorship money and not Trump’s campaign.