Donald Trump’s latest five-day trip to Scotland—primarily to promote his family’s golf businesses—will cost U.S. taxpayers an estimated $9.7million, according to a new analysis. The excursion, designated by the White House as a “work trip,” comes as Trump faces mounting criticism over the vast costs and frequency of his presidential golf outings, particularly as they often intersect with his private business interests1.
A Pricey Presidential Visit
The trip’s forecasted price tag is based primarily on government data from Trump’s first-term travel and recent Pentagon estimates. Expenses include:
- Air Force One Flights: The 3,000-mile transatlantic journey is priced at just over $273,000 per flight hour, sending projected flight costs near $3.8million for a round trip.
- Security and Transportation: Secret Service overtime, transport of Marine One helicopters (operating at $16,700–$20,000 per hour), and shipping of motorcade vehicles via C-17 aircraft make up a significant portion of the bill.
- Additional Aircraft: A second, less expensive aircraft—a modified Boeing 757—for support staff also factors into the estimate.
Notably, these estimates do not adjust for inflation since the Government Accountability Office’s original reporting in 2017, meaning actual costs could be even higher today.
Golfing and Government
While the Trump administration has designated the visit as official business, Trump’s itinerary is centered on his Turnberry and Menie golf courses, plus the opening of the MacLeod Course at Trump International Golf Links near Aberdeen—dedicated to his mother. The president is also scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney.
According to Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, the blurring of lines between Trump’s governmental duties and personal business interests remains controversial:
“We’re at a point where the Trump administration is so intertwined with the Trump business that he doesn’t seem to see much of a difference,” said Jordan Libowitz, vice president of the watchdog group.
Security and Local Costs
Beyond U.S. taxpayer obligations, Scottish taxpayers are also facing a substantial bill for hosting the president. During Trump’s 2018 visit, the Scottish police deployed more than 5,000 officers at a cost of about £5million ($6.8million), with large-scale protests expected again this year.
A Record of Golf Outings
Trump’s golfing habits sharply contrast his own campaign boasts; despite previously lambasting Barack Obama for golfing, Trump played about 260 rounds in his first term—costing taxpayers $151.5million for travel and security, covering 293 days at his resorts.
This term, with 43 golf trips in the first six months, Trump’s expenses have drawn sharp criticism from Congressional Democrats. As Rep. Jasmine Crockett noted during a recent hearing,
“As of March 30, Trump’s golfing has cost us approximately $26million.”
Bottom Line
Trump’s Scotland trip, though branded as official business, is facing scrutiny for intertwining presidential duties with personal profits, and for its steep price tag at a time when government spending—and accountability—remain in the spotlight1.
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