'The White House is a real dump' - Trump

Donald Trump has reportedly explained the reason for his numerous visits to his New Jersey golf club - the White House is "a dump". 

The president has made at least four visits to the Bedminster club, as well as a string of visits to Mar-a-Lago, his Florida retreat.

And with renovations due to take place in the West Wing this month, he is scheduled to stay at the resort a lot more.

"That White House is a real dump," Mr Trump told golf club members before a recent round of golf, according to Golf.com.

Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton shared the account on her Twitter account, adding: "Thank you to all the White House ushers, butlers, maids, chefs, florists, gardeners, plumbers, engineers & curators for all you do every day."

Mr Trump was a frequent visitor to the club during the election campaign. Trump posters and bumper stickers were posted around the property, while an anti-Hillary shrine was built in a bar in the men's locker room, the website reported.

Last November, at a cocktail reception and dinner, the then president-elect told the members of the club: "This is my real group. You are the special people. I see all of you. I recognise, like, 100% of you, just about."

Mr Trump was holding interviews that weekend to fill cabinet positions and reportedly issued the guests an open invitation to drop in on his meetings the next day.

He stayed at the resort in May after visiting New York and explained on Twitter: "The reason I am staying in Bedminster, N. J., a beautiful community, is that staying in NYC is much more expensive and disruptive. Meetings!"

Last month, he paid a visit to the club as it hosted the US Women's Open and in June he  dropped in on a wedding reception . 

He was quick to mock Barack Obama for spending time on the golf course as president. However, analysis by NBC suggests Mr Trump has spent 35 days at golf clubs during his first 164 days in office – that is about 21 per cent of his days as president so far.

After winning the election in November, Mr Trump said he would "touch up" the White House, but played down suggestions of any major redesign.

"I think the White House is such a special place, and it has such special meaning for Americans especially and the world," he said. "Nothing would change.  The White House will remain the way it is.” - The Telegraph