Ireland deploys 4,000 security personnel for Trump's weekend visit and golf trip

Ireland has mobilised at least 4,000 police officers and other security personnel, including specialist snipers, for US President Donald Trump's weekend visit, in what officials have described as one of the largest security operations ever mounted in the country.

Trump arrived in Ireland under tight security arrangements that will cover two days of diplomacy and golf, a trip that once again blurs the boundary between his presidential duties and his personal business interests. Speaking to reporters on the tarmac before his flight to Dublin, the US president said "we're having a lot of meetings with European leaders and others, so it'll be a very interesting time".

Diplomatic schedule and protests

The American leader is scheduled to hold separate meetings with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin and President Catherine Connolly in Dublin, where thousands of anti-Trump protesters are planning to rally. After completing his official engagements in the capital, Trump is due to fly to his luxury resort in Doonbeg on Ireland's west coast.

Golf tournament visit

The Doonbeg property is currently hosting the Irish Open tournament, where some of the world's top golfers are competing. The golf-mad president may even present the trophy on Sunday, according to reports. Sports journalist Rick Reilly documented Trump's relaxed relationship with the game's rules in the 2019 book Commander in Cheat.

Source: South China Morning Post