Trump Turnberry and Prestwick Airport ‘kept afloat by US Air Force’ amid government probe
PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf resort and Prestwick Airport are being 'kept afloat by the US Air Force', it has been claimed amid a government probe.
The House Oversight Committee inquiry comes after it was reported that military crew stayed at the Ayrshire resort while on a trip to the Middle East back in April.
In a letter to the Pentagon back in June the committee said they were investigating the President’s “potential conflicts of interest”.
And they also alleged that the military has spent $11million on fuel at nearby Prestwick Airport – even though it would be cheaper if purchased at a base in the States.
They said the Ayrshire airport has been seen as crucial to the “financial success” of Trump’s golf course.
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The C-17 plane had previously stopped to refuel at US air bases in Europe - but this time made a pitstop at Prestwick - even though the military pays more at commercial airports.
This is despite the fact it has been running at a loss since being bought by the Scottish government in 2013.
The letter states: “The Committee is investigating President Donald Trump’s potential conflicts of interest stemming from his continued stake in foreign businesses, the accuracy of his federal financial reporting about those businesses, and his potential receipt of emoluments in violation of the US Constitution.
“Two years before the 2016 election, President Trump spent hundreds of millions of dollars to purchase and renovate the Turnberry golf course in Scotland.
“To date, the property has continued to suffer financial losses and has not turned a profit for the President or his companies.
“The airport closest to the Trump Turnberry golf course – Glasgow Prestwick Airport – has been viewed as integral to the golf course’s financial success, yet it has too lost millions of dollars every year since its purchase by the Scottish government in 2013.”
Speaking to Politico, a senior Democratic aide on the committee said: “The Defence Department has not produced a single document in this investigation.
“The committee will be forced to consider alternative steps if the Pentagon does not begin complying voluntarily in the coming days.”
In July we told how the luxury resort raked in over £11,000 from his own government, according to a report.
It was claimed the hotel and golf course received cash to cover the cost of rooms.
We told last year how the Trump resort made a loss of more than £3.3million.
But the losses at Turnberry had shrunk compared to previous years – with revenues improving.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "Glasgow Prestwick Airport is operated on a commercial basis and at arm's length from the Scottish Government, in compliance with European Union state aid rules.
"Ministers do not intervene in the commercial discussions at the airport.
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"The senior management team at the airport has been tasked with all aspects of taking the airport forward, including building on existing revenue streams.
"Glasgow Prestwick Airport has handled military and private flights since the 1930s and it remains an important part of the airport's business."
The Department of Defense, US Air Force and President Trump have all been contacted for comment.
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