Protests and golf: A striking contrast in Scotland during Trump's visit.
Scotland, July 29, 2025
Donald Trump has arrived in Scotland to visit his owned golf resorts, Turnberry and Menie, amidst heavy security and anticipated public protests. His trip, aimed at promoting business interests and engaging in trade discussions, has drawn attention due to concerns over conflicts of interest as he blends personal business ventures with presidential duties. With scheduled meetings including British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Trump’s visit raises questions about the appropriateness of such engagements by a sitting U.S. president while sparking criticism from the public about his previous actions.
Edinburgh, Scotland – Donald Trump has arrived in Scotland for a visit to two golf resorts he owns amid significant security measures and public protests. This trip, part of a larger effort to promote his business interests while also engaging in trade discussions, has drawn attention due to the controversial nature of the actions taken by a sitting U.S. president regarding personal business ventures.
Trump, whose mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born in Scotland, is set to visit the Turnberry resort in South Ayrshire and the Menie resort in Aberdeenshire. He purchased Turnberry in 2014 and is preparing to unveil a new 18-hole course at Menie, further solidifying his financial interests in the region. His itinerary includes a meeting with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to discuss trade, especially concerning tariffs on Scotch whisky imports.
This visit follows Trump’s prior trip to Scotland in 2018, which was met with protests. In the current climate, public demonstrations are anticipated in various Scottish cities, including Aberdeen and Edinburgh. The protests focus on Trump’s controversial history, including allegations of exploiting his position for personal gain, concerns surrounding his ties to individuals like convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and his stance on environmental issues such as wind turbines, which he has criticized as harmful to tourism.
As Trump prepares for this visit, significant security measures are being implemented, including restrictions on airspace and local roadways. Military hardware has been stationed at nearby airports, reflecting heightened security protocols in response to past attempts on his life and the polarized nature of public opinion surrounding him. Visits by U.S. presidents are infrequent in Scotland, with notable past visits occurring by presidents Eisenhower in 1957, George W. Bush in 2005, and Joe Biden in 2021.
Trump is scheduled to return to the UK for a state visit in September, hosted by King Charles, although he will not meet the king during this current trip. Instead, he plans to meet with Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, underscoring ongoing efforts to bolster trade relations. Business leaders, particularly in the Scotch whisky sector, remain hopeful that Trump’s discussions may lead to a reduction in U.S. tariffs imposed on imports from Scotland.
The dual focus on personal business interests and international trade discussions during Trump’s stay raises questions about the appropriateness of such engagements by a sitting U.S. president. As Trump engages in golf and trade negotiations, criticism has mounted regarding the costs associated with his golf trips, and the potential use of taxpayer funds for promoting private resorts has been scrutinized.
In summary, Trump’s visit to Scotland underscores the complexities of intertwining personal business and presidential duties, set against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical crises and increasing public dissent. As Trump plays rounds of golf and works to secure advantageous trade talks, the implications of his actions will likely resonate within both Scotland and the broader context of U.S. diplomacy.
Donald Trump is visiting two golf resorts he owns: Turnberry in South Ayrshire and Menie in Aberdeenshire. He is also scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to discuss trade.
Concerns include potential conflicts of interest as a sitting president promoting personal business interests, ongoing public protests, and Trump’s controversial associations and stances on various issues.
Enhanced security measures include military presence at airports, airspace restrictions, and a significant police presence to manage potential protests and public demonstrations.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Visit Dates | 2023 |
| Golf Resorts | Turnberry, Menie |
| Meetings Scheduled | British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney |
| Security Measures | Military presence, airspace restrictions, local road closures |
| Public Protests | Expected in Aberdeen, Edinburgh |
| Previous visits by US Presidents | Eisenhower (1957), George W. Bush (2005), Joe Biden (2021) |
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