Trump says Air Force layovers at his Scotland resort 'have nothing to do with me' as review of international stays kicks off
WASHINGTON DC: President Donald Trump took to Twitter on Monday, September 9, to deny any involvement in a drastic change in military practice leading to Air Force crews staying overnight at his luxury Trump Turnberry luxury golf resort in Scotland. The news came to light after the House Oversight Committee began probing an increase in the military making unusual stops at the President's resort.
"I know nothing about an Air Force plane landing at an airport (which I do not own and have nothing to do with) near Turnberry Resort (which I do own) in Scotland, and filling up with fuel, with the crew staying overnight at Turnberry (they have good taste!) NOTHING TO DO WITH ME," Trump defended himself rather strongly in a tweet.
Shortly after the report of an investigation into the visits was reported by Politico, the US Air Force, on Sunday, September 8, also ordered a world-wide review of how the branch chooses overnight accommodations for its crew. According to reports, the controversial overlays of Air Force crews at Trump Turnberry resort have taken place since 2015.
The Air Force, according to the norm, stops at military bases elsewhere in Europe to refuel as it would be cheaper to do so. However, according to a letter sent by the Oversight Committee sent to Pentagon in June, the military had spent $11 million on fuel at the Prestwick Airport, closest to Trump Turnberry, since October 2017.
The committee, which started its probe in April 2019, is reportedly investigating whether the layovers at Trump's resort pose a conflict of interest for the president and whether the military is assisting to prep up the particular resort, which has been in loss for a while, according to the outlet.
The revelations have sparked a backlash from multiple lawmakers and critics, who have accused Trump's properties of unfairly profiting off his administration. Freshman Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, amid the scandal, issued a fresh call for Trump's impeachment, writing on Twitter: "The President is corrupt and must be impeached."
Vice President Mike Pence's stay at Trump’s resort in Doonbeg, Ireland, last week also resulted in scrutiny as he chose to stay at the President's resort despite it being located hundreds of miles away from his meetings in Dublin. The committee is reportedly also probing the Vice President's stay at Trump's resort. Trump also responded to this scrutiny on Monday in his tweet, saying he had nothing to do with Pence's decision either.
"I had nothing to do with the decision of our great @VP Mike Pence to stay overnight at one of the Trump-owned resorts in Doonbeg, Ireland," Trump wrote. "Mike’s family has lived in Doonbeg for many years, and he thought that during his very busy European visit, he would stop and see his family!"