Donald Trump’s secret nickname he got for ‘cheating,’ revealed

Donald Trump is infamous for giving unflattering nicknames to political opponents like “Crooked Hillary” and “Sleepy Joe,” but he’s also earned some nicknames himself—one being “Pele,” a nod to the soccer legend, though not for his athleticism.

The nickname stems from Trump’s golf habits. Critics have long accused him of cheating during rounds, claiming he often bends the rules to ensure a win. Trump, a frequent golfer even during tense moments as president, has declared himself club champion several times—often under questionable circumstances.

Journalist Rick Reilly, in his book Commander in Cheat, detailed how Trump cheats on the course, citing personal experiences and claiming Trump uses mulligans liberally and awards himself victories without competition. Reilly says Trump once told him he plays solo rounds at his own clubs and declares himself champion.

Others in Trump’s circles have echoed these allegations. Former Trump Plaza executive Jack O’Donnell recalled colleagues laughing about how Trump repositioned nearly every shot except tee-offs. At Winged Foot Golf Club, caddies reportedly nicknamed Trump “Pele” due to his habit of kicking the ball into better positions.

Trump’s campaign has denied these accusations, calling them false and driven by political bias. Still, the stories persist, with Reilly stating Trump “cheats like a three-card Monte dealer” and even lies about his lies.

Despite Trump claiming 23 championships, Reilly noted he’s never won at a course he doesn’t own. To Trump, cheating might just be part of the game—assuming everyone else is doing it too.