Scotland must investigate finances of convicted criminal Trump
As US President and convicted criminal Donald Trump lands in Aberdeenshire, the Scottish Greens have renewed calls for his Scottish financial interests to be investigated.
Patrick Harvie, Scottish Green co-leader, first called on the Scottish Government to seek an Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO) to investigate Trump’s businesses 5 years ago.
A UWO is a power held by the Scottish Government to investigate the finances of politically active individuals who have gained wealth through suspicious means.
The criminal charges brought against Trump in New York specifically cited his Menie golf estate in Aberdeenshire, finding its value had been falsely inflated.
Patrick Harvie MSP said:
“The super-rich like Donald Trump must not be allowed to act with impunity, buying up land, trashing environmental sites, and controlling politicians. Scotland isn’t their personal playground.
“We need to send a strong signal that no matter how wealthy you are, you aren’t above the law. You’ll face the same scrutiny and legal challenges as anybody else.
“I first made this call five years ago. Since then, Trump has been convicted of 34 felonies and found liable in court for sexual abuse. We all know what kind of man he is and how his businesses have operated.
“Keir Starmer and John Swinney can’t hide away from holding Donald Trump accountable just because of who he is. He is not immune to following the laws of our country. They talk about protecting a ‘special relationship’, but this looks increasingly like a subservient one.
“It’s time for the Scottish Government to take heed of our long-standing call and investigate Trump with a UWO, instead of cosying up to him and trying to win his favour.”