Donald Trump’s golf trip to Doonbeg resort will cost taxpayers €1m as he is entitled to security protection
Donald Trump, then US President, disembarks Air Force One with wife Melania after arriving at Shannon Airport in June 2019. Picture by Charles McQuillan
Donald Trump will be subject to “high intensity” garda security when he visits Ireland in the coming weeks — with the taxpayer footing a bill expected to top €1m.
The former US president is due to visit his five-star golf resort in Doonbeg, Co Clare, for a two to three-day visit to play golf. He is expected to arrive in a private jet sometime from August 25 and leave before August 30.
Security sources have confirmed that, although Trump is not the serving US president, gardaí are obliged to protect him at all costs against any threats while in Ireland. This involves a “high-intensity” security plan, in conjunction with the US secret service, that has already swung into action.
“It may come as a surprise to the general public, but despite him no longer being the US president, he is still entitled to be protected against any threats he might face in our State," a security source said.
"The Irish taxpayer subsequently pays for this, which understandably doesn’t sit well with many people, as not only is Trump visiting Ireland as a private citizen to play golf, he is also a deeply unpopular former world leader.”
Donald Trump's Doonbeg golf course and hotel in Co Clare. Picture by Niall Carson
A separate source attached to Garda HQ said every former US president would also be provided with security. However, Trump will not be provided with the same protection as sitting US President Joe Biden should he visit.
“There will be an appropriate level of garda security during Trump’s visit, not on the same level as the serving US President.
"But as a former US president, he is still entitled to his Secret Service detail for life.
"They still refer to him as President Trump. Gardaí are liaising with the secret service.”
Over the past few weeks, the Special Detective Unit, working with the US authorities including the secret service, have been examining any potential threats criminal elements might posse to Trump.
The Irish taxpayer subsequently pays for this, which understandably doesn’t sit well with many people
Plain clothes members of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) will then be responsible for the security detail while he is in Ireland.
Garda divers will also be deployed to ensure any bodies of water Trump will be in the vicinity of — primarily the River Shannon — have not had explosives laid in them. The former US president is to fly into Shannon Airport.
His golf resort and hotel will be fully swept for explosives and any other viable threat every day during his visit, including the course bunkers and water hazards.
If Trump intends to take any outings from Doonbeg, an ERU advance team will scour the area for any potential threats.
Garda sniper teams will man rooftops and be on standby should he visit anywhere there is potential for large groups.
Before he travels to Ireland, the former occupant of the White House and his party will also pay a visit and play golf at one of his Scottish resorts, Trump Turnberry.
