Trump's Irish Golf Visit Sparks Security Concerns
The Irish government is bracing for a potential visit from Donald Trump to the 2026 Amgen Irish Open golf tournament at his Doonbeg resort in Co Clare. While Trump has not officially confirmed his attendance, plans are reportedly in place for him to attend the event on September 10-13.
A minister warned that things have changed since Trump's last visit to Ireland in 2019, citing security concerns and a need for gunboats and air cover outside Doonbeg. Government officials are scrambling to devise a plan for keeping Trump away from public areas when he's not on the course.
The priority is to keep him 'as far away from the public, President Connolly and the Dáil as possible,' according to a source. A minister added that avoiding a Dáil address is crucial, given the risk of Trump's rambling speeches creating opportunities for political game-playing.