President Donald Trump’s name has surfaced in another lawsuit,  this time involving his $350,000-a-year Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. A former clubhouse manager has filed a complaint alleging she was fired after repeatedly flagging serious health and safety violations at the club’s bistro restaurant. But here’s the twist: the president himself had been concerned about it!

According to the lawsuit filed by former clubhouse manager Justine Sacks, President Donald Trump himself became aware of the unsanitary conditions at the Bedminster club while she was still employed there. The complaint alleges that during a visit in September 2023, Trump raised concerns about flies inside the clubhouse, an issue later referenced in internal staff communications. Sacks claims that despite Trump’s apparent awareness, no meaningful corrective action followed, and responsibility for the deteriorating kitchen conditions was instead shifted onto her, even as she continued documenting problems. 

That alleged awareness is central to the case because of Trump’s ongoing financial and personal ties to the Bedminster property.  The club is held under the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust, a structure that allows him to continue earning income from the club while in office. Trump has long maintained a close personal and political connection to the club, frequently using it as a private residence, hosting allies and donors there, and spending roughly 100 days at the property during his first presidential term. The club also holds personal significance for the Trump family, as Ivana Trump was buried on the grounds in 2022, and the President has reportedly considered creating a family burial plot at the site.
It’s against this backdrop that the lawsuit turns to the internal conditions at the Bedminster club, where a former clubhouse manager alleges systemic health violations and workplace misconduct. 

Sacks alleges that the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster engaged in unsafe kitchen practices, sexual harassment, and retaliation against her when she tried to enforce basic health and safety standards, according to documents first obtained by The Daily Beast. She joined the club in January 2023, after eight years as Columbia University’s director of dining operations, intending to professionalize its operations, but she says she quickly encountered a workplace culture she describes as a “boys’ club” that consistently resisted oversight and accountability.

The kitchen staff allegedly worked while intoxicated and smoked inside food-prep areas. Soft-serve machines were contaminated with maggots and mold, and expired food was served to guests. On one occasion, the bistro allegedly operated without running water for an entire day.

By then, she was 5 months into the job. Sacks flagged these issues to management, but General Manager David Schutzenhofer reportedly dismissed her concerns, claiming drunk kitchen staff were “commonplace” in the food industry and telling her she was “wrapped too tight.”

Perturbed, she flagged the issues to the club, but they ended up turning on her. David Schutzenhofer, the club’s general manager, allegedly dismissed her, reasoning that drunk kitchen staff is common in the food industry. Unable to get help, she raised these complaints with the human resources department. To her fear, they funneled back to Schutzenhofer, who berated her and called her a “miserable person.”

Sacks also alleges systemic gender discrimination. Assistant Manager Raul Sicoe allegedly ignored her for months and promoted sexist hiring standards, instructing that female staff needed a particular “look.” Several female employees reportedly received late-night calls from intoxicated managers, inviting them to their homes, but complaints were ignored, allegedly due to Eric Trump’s influence over property management.

Despite Trump reportedly expressing concern over the unsanitary conditions during a September 2023 visit, the situation worsened. By May 2023, the club was cited for 18 health violations, receiving one of the lowest inspection grades in Somerset County. Inspectors noted expired milk, a sink without soap, and a lack of food safety knowledge among staff. Half of the violations were deemed critical, posing an “unacceptable health risk.”

Three days after the inspection, Sacks was fired, prompting her lawsuit.

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After her termination, Sacks filed a formal complaint with Eric Trump, requesting justification for her removal. He reportedly acknowledged receiving her email but did not take further action.

Her attorney at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C., stated, “Ms. Sacks was targeted because she refused to stay silent about sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and serious health and safety violations that put employees and patrons at risk. Rather than address those issues, management retaliated against her. Ultimately, this lawsuit is about protecting employees who have the courage to speak up.”

The Bedminster club, which boasts two 18-hole courses, markets itself as offering “delectable dining options” and “five-star service.” But Sacks’ lawsuit has painted a starkly different picture.

Trump, his team, and the club’s management have not commented anything on the matter as of yet.