President Donald Trump left Washington’s heat and political tension behind as he traveled to Scotland for the weekend, choosing to stay far from the spotlight at two of his golf resorts while official activities were kept to a minimum. Even though the White House labeled this five-day trip a working visit, the schedule was light.
Instead of a packed agenda, Trump was only expected to hold trade discussions with European Union President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday and meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday.
Much of the remaining time was set aside for his stays at Trump Turnberry in the west and Trump International Golf Links located in the northern part of the country, close to where his mother came from.
Before leaving the White House, Trump highlighted his connection to Scotland and expressed affection for the country, saying it held a special place in his heart. Even as his visit stirred protests on Saturday, the Scottish stop offered him a break following six demanding months in office and growing controversy around the Epstein case.
Questions Continue Over Epstein Scandal
Repeated press briefings in recent weeks have seen Trump answering fresh questions about the Epstein case. Doubts over his past relationship with the late financier have kept the media focus on the issue. His trip now gives him the space to focus instead on matters where he feels more at ease, like business, trade, and his passion for golf.
While Trump often speaks proudly of his mother’s Scottish roots, the reception in Scotland has long been divided. His building of luxury golf courses has brought tension with several residents who have pushed back against his developments. A protester named Fiona McPherson described his behavior in Aberdeenshire as forceful and said she considered Trump’s political approach embarrassing.
Mother’s Legacy Honored on New Golf Course
A new 18-hole course in Aberdeenshire is at the heart of this trip. The MacLeod Course, named after his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, will be dedicated in a ceremony on Tuesday. She was born in 1912 near Stornoway and moved to the United States in 1930. She married Fred Trump in 1936 and passed away in 2000. Her portrait is displayed behind Trump’s desk in the Oval Office.
Police officers across Scotland have been preparing for this visit for weeks. Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond mentioned that the security measures are among the largest the country has arranged since Queen Elizabeth II died in 2022, with a team made up of local and national officers.
Protests and Unfriendly Headlines
Trump has not received a warm welcome from everyone. The National newspaper carried a loud headline calling him a convicted felon. Demonstrators gathered under the “Stop Trump Scotland” movement at different locations, including Aberdeen and the US consulate in Edinburgh, holding up placards and chanting during his arrival.
Despite knowing protests awaited him, Trump did not refer to that as he landed. Instead, he said he was eager to meet Scottish First Minister John Swinney, who had previously supported Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump referred to him as a good man and looked forward to their interaction.
Trade and Tension with EU Leadership
The meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, whom Trump has never welcomed at the White House, was planned to focus on trade matters between the US and the EU. Trump said there was a 50-50 chance of a new deal and noted that talks were ongoing. A looming 30% tariff was a major concern on both sides.
Relations between Trump and von der Leyen have remained cold. Trump has accused the European Union of creating trade rules that hurt the US. Von der Leyen had closer ties with Biden, which added to the unease surrounding their meeting.
As he landed, Trump said that if a deal was made, it would be the biggest one yet. His optimism stood out despite the strained history with European leaders.
Tensions at Home and Criticism Abroad
Returning to Scotland this weekend marked Trump’s first visit since 2023, when he started building the golf course in his mother’s honor. Now visiting again as president, he faced criticism from UK politicians like Green Party leader Patrick Harvie, who called Trump a convicted criminal and expressed worry about his political ideas.
Despite the relaxing golf setting, official duties continued. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump would meet Prime Minister Starmer to work further on the trade agreement between the US and UK. Starmer had previously visited Trump and discussed military and economic issues. So far, that relationship has brought some success with a trade deal between the two countries.
One of the difficult subjects expected to come up is the crisis in Gaza, though British authorities tried to lower public expectations, describing the visit as more of a preparation for Trump’s formal state visit to the UK in September. That invitation came from King Charles III, who plans to host Trump at Windsor Castle.
Starmer spoke proudly in February when he extended the King’s invitation, calling the upcoming visit a rare honor. Trump last visited for a state occasion in 2019 when Queen Elizabeth II welcomed him.
A Packed Travel Calendar and Personal Bond With Scotland
Since coming back to the presidency, Trump has traveled to several international destinations, including the Middle East, Rome, Canada for G7, and the Hague for NATO meetings. His connection with Scotland remains strong.
Scottish Labour Party leader Anas Sarwar wrote in The Times that Trump’s presence and financial commitments in Scotland are real, regardless of opinions on his politics.
This particular journey centers around golf more than anything else. On Saturday morning, Trump played a round with US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens and his son. Trump’s sons, Eric and Donald Jr., also joined him for the weekend.
Trump has often criticized previous presidents for golfing, yet continues to enjoy the sport throughout the year. Whether wintering in Florida or spending spring in New Jersey and Virginia, golf is part of nearly every weekend for him.
Golf Courses and Political Hopes
During this visit, Trump plans to spend three nights at Trump Turnberry, his resort by the Irish Sea, which he bought in 2014. He praised it as the best in the world. He will also spend one night at his northern course in Aberdeenshire, where the dedication ceremony for the second 18-hole course will take place.
Trump expressed hope that Turnberry would one day host The Open again. The last time it was held there was in 2009, before he bought the resort.
Although some organizers have raised concerns over hotel availability and infrastructure near the resort, political considerations have also played a role. A full-page ad in The National newspaper urged readers to oppose giving Trump the tournament.
The ad asked the public not to let Trump’s presence cause division during the prestigious golf event and encouraged them to act by signing a petition against it.
