Armed Man Arrested at Trump National Golf Club Ahead of President’s California Visit
An armed man was arrested Sunday at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes after federal agents reported a suspicious person walking the property, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said Tuesday. The arrest came two days before President Donald Trump arrived in Southern California for a Republican National Committee dinner at the golf course.
The Secret Service is investigating whether the man posed a threat to Trump, a federal law enforcement source told CNN. The source said there was no current indication that the man was plotting an attack on the president, but the investigation was ongoing.
Sheriff’s deputies identified the man as Jeanine John Taele, 38, of Downey. They said he was taking photos and videos on the grounds and appeared to be monitoring “security-planning activities.” He was booked on charges of carrying a concealed firearm and possession of prohibited ammunition. According to the Sheriff’s Department, Taele was also under investigation by the El Segundo Police Department in a robbery case.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said Tuesday that Taele pleaded not guilty to four charges: second-degree robbery stemming from an alleged November 2025 incident and three weapons charges filed after his arrest at the club. It was not immediately clear whether the robbery case was related to the events at the golf course.
Court records show a judge set bail at $250,000 and ordered Taele not to possess weapons, to stay away from the president’s golf club, and to remain in California while the case proceeds.
The investigation expanded Monday when detectives assigned to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force executed a search warrant at Taele’s residence because of what the Sheriff’s Department described as “potential security implications.” Investigators recovered an illegally modified AR-style rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, body armor, high-capacity magazines, ammunition, radio signal devices and multiple notebooks containing what they called “concerning statements.”
Officials said the Secret Service and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force were assisting, and additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues. The Sheriff’s Department said that so far, investigators had identified no credible threat to the community, but the episode underscored the importance of vigilance and coordination among local, state and federal agencies.
“Currently, investigators have identified no credible threat to our communities,” the department said. “However, this case underscores the importance of vigilance, strong partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, and the proactive steps taken to identify and investigate suspicious activity before it can escalate.”
The arrest was announced while Trump was aboard Air Force One en route to California. He landed in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening for the dinner at his Rancho Palos Verdes course. The swift response involving the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Secret Service reflected the heightened security atmosphere around presidential visits, even though authorities stressed that no public threat had been identified.
This story has been updated with additional information.