Trump's Scotland Visit Sparks Protests and Trade Discussions Amid Golf Course Opening
Donald Trump is currently in Scotland for a visit scheduled from July 25-29, 2025. This trip, characterized by the White House as a "working visit," blends personal time at his Scottish golf resorts with significant political meetings. The visit has already drawn criticism and protests, echoing sentiments from his 2016 trip when he famously lauded Brexit.
Opening of the MacLeod Course at Trump International Golf Links
A central event of Trump's visit is the opening of the new MacLeod Course at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire. Named after his mother, the course is set to open this summer, with Eric Trump expected to cut the ribbon during the visit. Trump also owns Trump Turnberry in Ayrshire, further intertwining his business interests with his political activities.
Meetings with Key Political Figures
During his time in Scotland, Trump is scheduled to meet with several prominent political figures, including Scottish First Minister John Swinney, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney Meeting
John Swinney, a known supporter of Kamala Harris, has publicly stated that he will meet with Trump "in Scotland's interest." Discussions are expected to cover a range of international issues, including the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as broader trade implications.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Meeting
Keir Starmer's meeting with Trump is anticipated to focus on UK-US trade deals. A primary objective for Starmer is to secure an exemption for UK steel from the current 25% US tariffs. Despite ideological differences, Trump has reportedly expressed a liking for Starmer.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Meeting
Trump is also scheduled to meet with Ursula von der Leyen to address transatlantic trade relations. This meeting comes at a critical time, following the announcement of 30% tariffs on EU imports, set to take effect on August 1.
"Stop Trump Scotland" Protests and Public Opinion
Trump's visit has been met with significant opposition. The "Stop Trump Scotland" group is organizing widespread demonstrations, including a "Festival of Resistance" in Aberdeen. Protests are also planned outside the US consulate in Edinburgh and around Trump's golf resorts. Organizers intend to display banners and messages visible from the air.
Public Sentiment in Scotland
Public opinion polls indicate that a substantial majority of Scots hold an unfavorable view of President Trump. A February poll revealed that approximately 70% of Scots have a negative perception of him.
Cost to Scottish Taxpayers
The financial implications of Trump's visit have also drawn scrutiny. Policing for his previous visit in 2018 cost over £14 million, raising concerns about the burden on Scottish taxpayers. Critics argue that the expense is difficult to justify, especially given the context of budget constraints.
Concerns Over Business Ethics
Critics have voiced concerns that Trump's visit blurs the lines between his presidential duties and the promotion of his private business interests. His assets are managed in a trust run by his children, who also oversee the Trump Organization, leading to potential conflicts of interest. This arrangement follows the relaxation of the ethics pact from his first term, which had barred deals with foreign companies.
Trump's Statements Upon Arrival
Upon arriving in Scotland, Trump expressed his affinity for the country, stating he "loves standing on the soil of Scotland." He also delivered a strong warning regarding immigration in Europe, describing it as an "invasion" that is "killing Europe." Additionally, he reiterated his opposition to wind farms, a long-standing position.
Historical Context: The 2016 Visit and Brexit
Trump's current visit bears notable similarities to his trip in 2016, during which he arrived at his golf resort the day after the UK voted to leave the European Union. His enthusiastic endorsement of Brexit at the time was largely unpopular in Scotland, where 62% of voters had supported remaining in the EU.
Trump's Brexit Stance
In 2016, Trump hailed Brexit as a victory for those who wanted to "take their country back," drawing parallels to his own presidential campaign. He capitalized on anxieties about immigration, a theme that continues to resonate in his rhetoric. Political analysts have retrospectively viewed Trump's 2016 visit and his embrace of Brexit as a predictor of his own electoral success, highlighting the power of populist, anti-establishment messaging.
