Trump's Journey to Scotland Blends Diplomatic Matters with Golf Outings
US President Donald Trump is set to touch down in Scotland on Friday evening, marking his return to the UK after the announcement of a trade agreement between the two nations in May. Trump's arrival at 8:20 pm local time will be met with a significant police presence, as protests are planned in Edinburgh and Aberdeen on Saturday to oppose his visit.
The U.S.-UK trade deal, signed at the G7 summit and implemented on June 30, 2025, involved reducing tariffs on UK exports such as cars and aerospace products. However, London has expressed concerns over Trump's stated intention to "refine" the trade deal, which has added a layer of uncertainty to the bilateral relationship.
While in Scotland, Trump is expected to split his time between the Turnberry and Aberdeen golf courses, where he will stay at family-owned resorts. It is unclear if he will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his visit.
The trade negotiations between the two countries are not the only point of contention surrounding Trump's presidency. Opponents and watchdog groups have accused him of using his position to promote private family investments, especially abroad. The American NGO Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington reported in May that 21 development projects were already underway abroad during Trump's second term.
Moreover, the Trump Organization departed from the moratorium it had imposed during Trump's first term on launching new international ventures. In January, the organization revised its ethical charter to remove any prohibition from launching new international ventures with private actors.
The White House has also been embroiled in controversy over its treatment of the media. The reporting staff of a specific news organization was denied a seat on Air Force One during Trump's trip to Scotland, and The Wall Street Journal has been punished by the White House for publishing an article detailing longstanding links between Trump and Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump's visit to Scotland is also facing backlash from his own MAGA supporters who demand access to Epstein case files. The construction of a golf course in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, by the Trump family has also been a source of discontent among residents, environmentalists, and elected officials.
Despite these challenges, Trump is expected to return to the UK in September for a state visit. The ongoing bilateral trade negotiations between the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Commerce, and USTR with the UK indicate that the trade relationship between the two nations will continue to be refined and managed in the coming months.
- The U.S.-UK trade agreement, signed in May 2025, involves changes in tariffs on UK exports like cars and aerospace products, an aspect that has given rise to concerns in London, as President Trump has expressed his desire to 'refine' the deal.
- During Trump's visit to Scotland, he is expected to engage in golf activities at Turnberry and Aberdeen golf courses, staying at family-owned resorts, but it is uncertain if he will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- Critics and watchdog groups have accused President Trump of utilizing his position to advance private family investments, especially abroad, with 21 development projects already underway during his second term, as reported by the American NGO Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.
- The White House has been entangled in media-related controversies, such as the denial of a seat on Air Force One for the reporting staff of a specific news organization and punishment inflicted upon The Wall Street Journal for publishing an article highlighting Trump's connections with Jeffrey Epstein.
- Trump's upcoming visit to Scotland is met with opposition, not only from anti-Trump protesters but also his MAGA supporters, who seek access to Epstein case files, and residents, environmentalists, and elected officials, who voice concerns about the Trump family's golf course in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire. However, plans for his return to the UK for a state visit in September are still underway.
