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The all-black, military-style buggy trailed Trump while he played on the expansive golf links. Although Trump himself rode in a standard golf cart, the armored Ranger followed closely behind.

The vehicle reportedly features armored panels, tinted bulletproof windows, and visibly reinforced rear sections – a level of protection unusual for golf outings. Security experts noted its light frame allows for high mobility across grassy terrain while offering ballistic defense in the case of a crisis.

According to The War Zone, the vehicle is based on the Polaris Ranger XP 1000, a widely used utility terrain vehicle (UTV) designed for off-road transportation by law enforcement and military agencies. A Polaris spokesperson confirmed to the outlet that the vehicle had been manufactured by the company but heavily modified by a third party.

Public procurement data suggests that one such outfitter is the Chicago-based company Scaletta Armoring. According to the US General Services Administration (GSA) website, the armor package alone carries a unit price of nearly $190,000 – far exceeding the base price of a standard Ranger, which retails for around $20,000.

The Secret Service said it “employs a variety of tools and resources to safeguard our protectees” but refused to “discuss the specific means and methods used to conduct our protective operations.”

Security around Trump has intensified following an assassination attempt last year. As the then-candidate addressed supporters at a rally on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania, a gunman fired roughly eight shots at him, one of which grazed Trump’s ear.

Secret Service agents also foiled another alleged plot to kill Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course last September after spotting a man armed with a rifle hiding in bushes near the course. The suspect, a pro-Ukraine activist named Ryan Wesley Routh, is expected to stand trial in September.