Rumours have swirled for months that the US President was planning a visit – which could prompt chaos and mass protests
Scottish police are preparing for a visit from Donald Trump “later this month” – which could cause chaos and mass protests.
Rumours have swirled for months that the president will visit the country this year to coincide with the opening of a second course at the golf club he owns in Aberdeenshire.
But on Wednesday, Police Scotland confirmed preparation is underway for a visit from Mr Trump this month, in what will be a “significant policing operation”.
When Trump last visited the UK in 2019, as many as 250,000 protesters lined the streets jeering and booing as he drove past in his presidential limousine, The Beast.
Banners were unfurled by protesters bearing messages including “No-one Likes You”, “Trump=Wasteman” and “No Human Is Illegal”.
And campaigners have vowed an “even bigger” response to a 2025 visit.
Zoe Gardner, a spokesperson for the Stop Trump Coalition said in April: ““This time it will be even bigger, uniting campaigners across a huge range of issues. We are confident that the disgust at Donald Trump is just as strong across the country.”
It could see the return of a giant Trump baby blimp to the skies over Scotland, “or something even bigger and better”, Ms Garnder told the Guardian.
She added: “We want it to be a defiant but joyful celebration of all the things that Trump hates, such as the rights of LGBTQ people, the rights of women, the rights of migrants and refugees, union power and workers.”
There is yet to be a final confirmation of a date for any visit, however, it is not possible to book a room at Mr Trump’s club in Turnberry, South Ayrshire between July 24 and July 28 and at his Aberdeenshire club around the same time.
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Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond said: “Planning is under way for a potential visit to Scotland later this month by the President of the United States.
“While official confirmation has not yet been made, it is important that we prepare in advance for what would be a significant policing operation.”