The White House has confirmed that US President Donald Trump will not make a surprise visit to his Scottish golf course within the next two weeks, following speculation that prompted plans for protests across the UK.
A spokesperson for the president stated on Monday that no trip is imminent, despite mounting speculation that Trump might make an unofficial stop in the UK en route to or from the G20 summit in Hamburg this week. The spokesperson said: “While we look forward to visiting the UK, it will not happen in the next two weeks.”
Trump is scheduled to begin his European trip in Warsaw on Thursday, addressing leaders from central Europe, the Baltics, and the western Balkans, before travelling to Germany on Friday. Protesters had been preparing to mobilise at short notice at his golf resorts in Scotland after a Conservative aide fuelled speculation, stating: “There are currently no plans for him to visit. But his travel plans are a matter for him.”
A formal state visit, expected to take place over the summer after an invitation from Prime Minister Theresa May, was postponed last month amid fears of mass protests. Whitehall sources had indicated that the government was warned Trump might visit Turnberry, one of his two Scottish golf resorts, between the G20 summit and Bastille Day celebrations in France on 14 July. Such a visit would likely involve informal talks with the prime minister, though final confirmation would be given with just 24 hours' notice to minimise disruption.
Even an unofficial visit would require a major security operation, including Air Force One and the president's armoured limousine. The Stop Trump coalition, comprising activists, MPs, and trade unions, had vowed to hold the largest demonstrations in UK history if Trump made a state visit. Organisers have now placed supporters on alert for potential protests.
