US cash boost for Trumps
DONALD Trump’s toiling Turnberry resort has taken another five-figure booking from his own government.
The US president’s loss-making Ayrshire hotel and Open Championship venue received more than £11,000 to cover accommodation costs over the next three weeks. No guest details were revealed.
The payment, approved by the US State Department, is the fourth to Turnberry’s corporate entity since Trump took office and takes the total spend there to £75,000.
Ethics watchdogs say American taxpayers are “effectively subsidising” a Trump business.
Noah Bookbinder, of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said: “President Trump has become more and more brazen about using the presidency to advance his businesses.
“The lines between his official position, his family and his businesses have all but evaporated.”
The latest payment was made to SLC Turnberry Limited, which has two directors – Trump’s sons Eric, and Donald Jr.
Trump stood down as a director when he became president but still owns the company via a trust.
Trump, 73, bought Turnberry five years ago in a cut-price £35.7million “cash deal”. He also owns Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire, which has been dogged by planning rows.
The Trump Organisation refused to give details of the latest US government booking but insisted: “The Trump Organisation does not profit on government business and bills all services at cost.”
The State Department did not respond.