Bodycam footage shows moment Tiger Woods ‘got off the phone with president’ before arrest

Newly released footage appears to show Tiger Woods calling President Donald Trump moments after his Florida car crash last week.

The golf icon was charged with driving under the influence last Friday after rolling over his Land Rover while trying to overtake a pickup truck at high speed.

AFP

During a search of Woods‘ vehicle, investigators found two white pills, which were identified as prescription opioid hydrocodone.

He was arrested and spent eight hours in prison before being released on bail, but later submitted a not guilty plea to the charges of driving under the influence.

The 50-year-old then announced he would be taking a break from golf and not participating in the 2026 Masters, which starts next week.

‘Talking with the President’

Now, Florida authorities have released video footage of Woods’ arrest, which includes bodycam recordings by one of the officers.

At one point, the golfer is shown walking into the distance before he is called back by police.

As he returns, he can be seen talking on the phone and is heard saying: “Thank you so much. All right. You got it. Bye.”

Walking back over to the officer, Woods then tells him: “I was just talking with the president.”

While he does not specify which president he was speaking to, it is highly likely it was the incumbent Donald Trump.

Woods is currently in a relationship with Trump’s former daughter-in-law Vanessa, and he and the president are known to share a close relationship.

In Trump’s first term as president, he awarded Woods the Medal of Freedom – the nation’s highest civilian honour.

Martin County Sheriff's Office

AFP

The US President also revealed he had spoken to the legendary sportsman following his arrest saying: “I think he’s doing great, he’s doing good.”

Trump also told reporters: “I feel so badly. He’s got some difficulty. There was an accident, and that’s all I know.

“He’s an amazing person, amazing man, but some difficulty.”

Damning footage

Further footage of Woods’ arrest shows him taking field sobriety tests, appearing stunned when he is handcuffed after failing them.

He can be seen wearing sunglasses and kneeling on the side of the road while being questioned by officers.

On his car crash, Woods is heard telling officers: “Looked down at my phone and then all the sudden, boom.”

Martin County Sheriff's Office

Other body cam clips show an officer asking Woods to turn around and place his hands behind his back, before telling him he is being arrested.

She can be heard saying she believes he is impaired due to an ‘unknown substance’.

Appearing shocked and confused, Woods responds: “I’m being arrested?”

After handcuffing the US sports star, officers search his pockets and find two white pills, which are then bagged as evidence.

A police report released on Tuesday had said these were opioids, while Woods was observed by the investigating officers as having ‘bloodshot and glassy’ eyes.

Footage from the back seat of the patrol car also shows the sportsman hiccupping, yawning and repeatedly appearing to fall asleep during the 15-minute ride.

Getty

He then spent eight hours in jail after he was booked and charged with a DUI, causing damage to property, and refusal to submit to a lawful test.

‘Stepping away’

Woods commented publicly for the first time since the incident on Tuesday, where he announced he would be taking a break from golf.

In a post on X, he wrote: “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today.

“I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritise my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.

“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally.

“I appreciate your understanding and support and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”