Former President Donald Trump's campaign efforts have come under scrutiny as he appears to prioritize spending time on the golf course rather than actively engaging in the campaign trail. Despite aides' attempts to get him involved in fundraising events and counterprogramming the Democratic National Convention, Trump has shown disinterest and disengagement, leading to concerns among his team.

According to The Washington Post, Trump's family visited his Bedminster, New Jersey golf course in August, where he seemed to find more enjoyment in hitting the links than participating in campaign activities. During a press conference at the course, Trump appeared bored and showed little enthusiasm. Even attending a fundraiser with donor Miriam Adelson didn't seem to excite him.

Former aides speaking anonymously told The Post that Trump prefers a less hectic schedule during his family's time in Bedminster and spends most of his time on the golf course. However, there is a fear among his team that if left to his own devices, the former president would become enraged while watching the Democratic convention on television.

Trump's lackluster approach to campaigning has drawn criticism, especially as news coverage portrays him as less actively involved compared to his opponents. Despite scheduling events to counterprogram the Democratic convention, Trump often veers off script during his remarks, struggling to find his place in the race that saw Vice President Kamala Harris quickly rise to prominence following President Joe Biden's endorsement.

Political strategist and commentator, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concerns regarding Trump's lack of energy and discipline, stating that the stakes for him in this election are incredibly high. They emphasize that his pending criminal cases won't vanish if he loses the election and highlight the need for him to run a more robust and focused campaign.

Responding to criticism, Trump spokesperson Steve Cheung defended the former president's campaign efforts, claiming that he has maintained a "robust schedule" since the start of his campaign. According to Cheung, Trump has engaged in substantive policy discussions, contrasting him with Kamala Harris, whom he alleges refuses or is unable to discuss policy matters.

However, insiders close to the campaign suggest that Trump finds policy-oriented speeches less engaging when there is no live audience present. This could explain his tendency to focus on personal attacks rather than policy discussions during his speeches. In an attempt to brand Harris as a "communist," Trump has strayed from the recommended strategy of his aides.

During recent press interactions, including a speech at the southern border and another in Las Vegas, Nevada, Trump continued to criticize the Democrats for replacing Biden with Harris, emphasizing that he had spent a significant amount of money and effort on campaigning against Biden, only for him to be replaced without any votes from the public.

As the campaign season progresses, there is growing concern among Trump's advisors and supporters about his level of both motivation and discipline. The former president's preference for golfing and a less active role in campaigning has left many questioning whether he can rekindle his energy and drive to secure another term in office.