Authorities have confirmed preparations are underway for a potential visit by Donald Trump to Scotland later this month.
The former US president is anticipated to travel to his golf resort in Menie, Aberdeenshire, for the inauguration of a new course.
While a private audience with King Charles is not expected at this time, a full state visit to the UK is projected for later this year, most likely in September.
The Scottish government has stated it is collaborating with the UK government to support Police Scotland, and First Minister John Swinney has been briefed on the police preparations.
Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond commented, “Planning is under way for a potential visit to Scotland later this month.
“Although official confirmation is pending, it is imperative that we prepare in advance for what would constitute a significant policing operation.”
The Trump Organization owns Trump International Scotland in Aberdeenshire and the Trump Turnberry golf resort in Ayrshire.
Should it proceed, this would mark Donald Trump’s first visit to Scotland since his victory in the US election.
His previous presidential visit in 2018 necessitated a major security operation in response to widespread protests in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen.
Christine Jardine MP, the Liberal Democrat Scottish affairs spokesperson, has criticized the “millions in policing costs” incurred during prior visits.
“These must have been among the most expensive rounds of golf in history. I hope that Police Scotland will not be left out of pocket this time,” she stated.
Jardine also suggested that Trump’s visit should serve as an opportunity to address the “threat” of US trade tariffs on Scottish businesses.
The Scottish Greens, who have consistently opposed Trump’s return visits, assert that it is “clearer than ever” that his financial dealings in Scotland should be investigated through an Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO).
Co-leader Patrick Harvie added, “There is no justification for welcoming Donald Trump to Scotland. He is a convicted felon and political extremist who has demonstrated a profound lack of respect for human rights and democracy in America and globally.”
Trump’s most recent visit occurred in 2023, when he and his son Eric initiated construction on the new 18-hole course at the Aberdeenshire resort.
Originally named the MacLeod Course—after Trump’s Lewis-born mother, Mary—Trump International announced last month that its name had been changed to the “New Course.”
According to the organization, the course will feature the “largest sand dunes in Scotland” alongside the Old Course, which was completed in 2012.
The resort has faced controversy in the past; five years ago, the dunes lost their status as a nationally important protected environment.
However, Trump International has maintained that the course is “one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable” ever constructed.
During his 2018 visit, Trump was met with boos from demonstrators gathered along the perimeter of his Turnberry resort in Ayrshire during an afternoon round of golf.
A paraglider also flew over the hotel displaying a banner critical of the president.
Last month, Buckingham Palace confirmed that a state visit invitation, signed by the King, had been extended to Trump at the White House.
“His Majesty has known President Trump for many years and looks forward to hosting him and the First Lady later this year,” a Buckingham Palace aide told the BBC.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner told the UK Parliament, “We are really pleased the US president is coming for a second state visit.”
This followed a previous invitation from the King, conveyed to Trump by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in February, to discuss details of the state visit at either Dumfries House or Balmoral, both located in Scotland.
Traditionally, second-term US presidents are not offered a state visit and have instead been invited for tea or lunch with the monarch at Windsor Castle.
Trump was hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II during his previous three-day state visit in 2019, which took place during his first term in office.
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, told the BBC he did not see how a state visit for the US president could possibly go ahead because of remarks Trump had made to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In a heated exchange, Trump accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War Three.”
This followed criticism from a number of SNP MPs on social media regarding the prime minister’s relationship with Trump.
The party’s Westminster leader, Stephen Flynn, stated that Starmer “better get back up off his knees and revoke that offer of a state visit.” Starmer dismissed these calls.
Trump’s threat concerns what he refers to as the “mistreatment” of his ally, former President Jair Bolsonaro.
The new deputy director says his organization was “totally accountable” for the violence at Trump’s rally in 2024.
“Without a border protected, you don’t have a nation,” the former secretary of state tells the BBC.
Trump accused Brazil of “attacks” on US tech companies and conducting a “witch hunt” against its former president, Jair Bolsonaro.
Trump told Boakai he speaks “such good English,” asking where he went to school.