Scotland Abuzz Over a Trump Golf Project

Developer Donald Trump's plan to build a $2 billion golf resort in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is causing an uproar, with Scottish politicians accusing government officials of resorting to "sleaze" in their efforts to push through the project.

Last month, the local governing body, the Aberdeenshire Council, rejected the planned Trump International Golf Links, Scotland, causing Mr. Trump to consider alternative locations for his golf course vision, according to the BBC. Mr. Trump's grand plans have since been resurrected by the national government, which has taken over the approvals process.

Allegations of corruption and strong-arm tactics are now surfacing in the British press. The council member who cast the decisive vote against Mr. Trump's plan was reportedly fired, and a new vote by the council recommended the golf course development move ahead. According to the BBC, Scotland's first minister, Alex Salmond, met with Mr. Trump's representatives shortly before the national government announced it was overriding the Aberdeenshire Council's decision. Council members have alleged that Trump representatives were in the room during a phone call they had with government officials. The BBC quoted the leader of Scotland's minority Liberal Democratic party, Nicol Stephen, as saying the national government's active role in the development's approval "smells of sleaze," while Mr. Salmond told the news organization he has played by the rules.

The planned Trump International Golf Links, Scotland, would feature two 18-hole courses, a 450-room five-star hotel, and a conference center.