Man Arrested with Illegal Weapons at Trump’s Golf Course
A California man, Jeanine John Taele, 38, was taken into custody at President Donald Trump’s golf course near Los Angeles. He allegedly posed as a security officer preparing for Trump’s visit and had illegal weapons in his possession, as reported by authorities.
Taele was supposed to appear in court on Wednesday for a federal weapons charge, but the hearing was canceled. He remains in a downtown LA jail facing state charges, yet to be transferred to federal custody, according to the U.S. attorney’s office. The arrest took place on Sunday at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, just days before Trump attended a fundraising event there.
Reports indicate Taele was seen on the premises as early as Friday, donning an earpiece and capturing photos and videos of federal agents performing a security assessment. On Sunday, Taele returned and approached the agents, claiming to be from the State Department and part of a security detail. He disclosed having a loaded weapon in his vehicle, which led to his arrest. A 16-round magazine with ammunition was also found in his pocket.
A search of Taele’s truck at the club parking lot revealed a loaded 9mm pistol, binoculars, and a badge labeled “security protection agent.” Authorities later searched his residence in Downey, uncovering a short-barreled rifle, various firearms, magazines, ammunition, body armor, and notebooks with unspecified concerning statements.
Patrick Grandy, assistant director of the FBI’s Los Angeles office, emphasized the importance of vigilance, stating, “Mr. Taele’s troubling behavior at the President’s public golf course merely days before the President was expected to arrive raised serious red flags for law enforcement.”
In light of previous incidents targeting President Trump, Grandy stressed that there is no room for error. Trump, in a brief statement to Fox News, remarked, “only consequential presidents” face such threats, implying that his position brings him “a little solace.”
Taele, a former corporal in the U.S. Marines, served from 2008 to 2016 with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He received multiple commendations, including an award for good conduct. He is also a licensed security guard, although records show several permits for carrying firearms have been canceled or suspended.
The Los Angeles County public defender’s office, representing Taele in the state case, did not immediately comment, nor could family members be reached. This incident follows a previous attempt on Trump’s life at his Florida country club and a narrowly avoided assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in 2024.
