More than 7,000 officers were deployed across Scotland for Donald Trump’s private visit, with four arrests made and costs still under wraps.
Former US President Donald Trump’s whirlwind tour of Scotland last weekend may have been private, but the scale of the security response was anything but. Police Scotland confirmed the deployment of over 7,000 officers across the country, making it one of the largest security operations in its history.
The visit, which began Friday and stretched across Trump’s Turnberry resort in Ayrshire and a new golf course opening in Aberdeenshire, also led to four arrests—including one mid-flight on an EasyJet route from Luton to Glasgow.
7,341 Officers, £Millions in Costs, and a Whole Lot of Questions
Let’s break this down. Police Scotland put 6,144 of its own officers on the ground. On top of that, 1,197 more were called in from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. That’s a total of 7,341 police personnel mobilised for a private visit—not a state one.
Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond told reporters this week that although the operation was “effective,” it’s too early to estimate the final cost. “A significant amount of money” was the phrase she used. She also confirmed discussions are already underway with both the Scottish and UK governments over who’s footing the bill.
To put this in perspective:
| Visit Year | Location(s) | Officers Deployed | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | London & Scotland | 5,000+ (Scotland) | £14.2 million |
| 2019 | London (State Visit) | 6,300+ | £3.4 million |
| 2025 | Scotland (Private) | 7,341 | TBD (“significant”) |
Yeah, that’s not pocket change.
Arrests, Airport Incidents, and Balmedie Patrols
Four people were arrested over the course of Trump’s four-day stay, though police haven’t yet released full details on all of them.
One of those arrests reportedly happened mid-air—on a commercial EasyJet flight bound for Glasgow from Luton. It’s not every day a flight becomes part of a presidential security operation.
Elsewhere, police patrols stretched as far north as Balmedie beach in Aberdeenshire, just a stone’s throw from Trump’s new course. Local residents spotted officers in high-vis jackets standing against the scenic backdrop of the North Sea. It’s a striking image—quiet dunes guarded by a line of uniformed officers.
At Turnberry in Ayrshire, Trump’s motorcade rolled through with a full escort of police motorcycles. Golf, it seems, doesn’t come without a convoy.
“Every Eventuality”: Police Scotland Says It Was Ready
ACC Emma Bond made clear the force had prepared for everything. “This is one of the largest operations we have planned in the history of Police Scotland,” she said. Despite the scale, she insisted local policing wasn’t disrupted.
“We delivered a really effective operation while continuing to serve communities across Scotland,” she added.
It’s a bold claim, considering how stretched Scottish policing already is. The Federation representing rank-and-file officers recently warned of “critical staffing pressures.” Still, no major disruptions or safety issues were reported over the weekend.
One sentence says it all: They really did go all-in.
Eric Trump’s PR Spin: “The Greatest Infomercial for Scotland”
Eric Trump, who travelled with his father, had a very different take on the cost controversy. In an interview with the BBC, he brushed off the question of police expenses.
“You couldn’t pay for that kind of publicity for the country,” he said. “I mean, it’s the greatest infomercial in the world for Scotland.”
He wasn’t shy about the family’s ego either: “It’s a great honour when we have the King in the United States of America,” he added, referring to his father.
That didn’t exactly land well with critics, especially those asking why the Scottish taxpayer might end up covering costs for what was, at the end of the day, a business trip.
Political Silence, But Public Grumbles Grow Louder
So far, both the Scottish and UK governments have remained quiet on the potential bill split. But murmurs are growing, particularly around the question: Should public money really be used for a private promotional visit?
Critics argue the Trump Organization—still active in promoting its golf resorts—should cover more of the security bill, especially given the family’s comments on the visit being great PR.
A few voices online pointed out the irony: Trump famously criticized UK spending during his presidency, but now his own trips are racking up invoices in the millions.
This isn’t the first time the Trump family has drawn criticism over public spending in the UK. The 2018 visit caused an uproar over its massive £14m cost and security footprint.
Not the Last Visit?
The former president, currently eyeing a return to the White House, didn’t hold any public events during his visit. Still, speculation is rife that more trips could follow—especially as his campaign gears up back home.
Scotland, with two Trump-owned golf resorts, remains a personal and promotional priority for the family.
Whether Police Scotland is prepared—or willing—to commit thousands of officers again remains to be seen.
