News Summary
President Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland is set to intertwine diplomacy and leisure, with meetings planned, a dedication of a new golf course, and anticipated protests. Amid scrutiny from local residents and environmentalists over Trump’s business dealings and a fresh trade agreement with the UK, tensions are expected to rise during his five-day trip. The visit is also complicated by Trump’s connections to the Epstein case, leading to calls for transparency and access to relevant case files.
EDINBURGH – President Donald Trump is set to visit Scotland on July 25, 2025, for a five-day trip that intertwines diplomacy, business, and leisure activities. His arrival is scheduled for 8:20 PM local time (1920 GMT), with planned accommodations at his luxury golf resorts: Trump Turnberry and Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire.
On July 26 and 27, no public events have been scheduled for Trump, as reported by the White House. However, he is expected to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his visit. The details regarding the timing and location of their meeting remain undisclosed. It is noted that while Trump is an enthusiastic golfer, Starmer is not particularly known for his affinity for the sport.
In light of Trump’s visit, tensions surround a recent trade agreement announced between the US and UK in May 2025. While the agreement is still fresh, there are concerns in London that Trump wishes to “refine” the existing deal, posing potential complications ahead of diplomatic talks.
The backdrop of this visit is marked by scrutiny related to Trump’s connections to the Jeffrey Epstein case, an issue that has led to significant backlash from some of his supporters. There are ongoing calls for access to Epstein case files, intertwined with conspiracy theories regarding elite involvement. In an incident reflecting the strained relationship with the media, the White House reportedly denied staff from The Wall Street Journal a seat on Air Force One after their reporting on Trump’s links to Epstein.
In anticipation of Trump’s arrival, protests have been planned in major cities such as Edinburgh and Aberdeen. A significant police presence is expected to help manage these demonstrations, as opposition to his visit grows. Local residents and environmentalists have criticized Trump’s golf resort projects, notably in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire. They argue that he has failed to fulfill promises of job creation and economic investment in the area.
In 2006, Trump pledged to invest $1.5 billion into his Balmedie project; however, he has reportedly spent around $120 million without delivering the anticipated economic benefits. In 2023, it was reported that his Balmedie golf course faced financial losses amounting to $1.9 million. Local sentiment reflects a growing discontent, with surveys indicating that 70% of Scots hold an unfavorable view of Trump, higher than public opinion across the UK.
During this trip, Trump is also set to dedicate a new 18-hole golf course in Balmedie, named the MacLeod Course in honor of his late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod. Activists opposed to Trump’s policies have organized a “festival of resistance” to coincide with his visit, increasing the likelihood of heightened tensions.
In terms of security, this visit will require what is expected to be the largest police operation since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. The cost implications of Trump’s security are a point of contention, with critics arguing that the burden falls unjustly on local communities already affected by his business activities.
Trump has historically expressed a fondness for Scotland, where his mother was born. However, his business dealings have often been met with opposition. Critics highlight his controversial developments and environmental concerns, which have resulted in a loss of protected land.
Notably, a historical perspective shows that about 34 out of 45 U.S. Presidents have some Scottish ancestry, pointing to a complicated relationship between American leadership and the Scottish populace. This trip marks another chapter in this fraught narrative, with prominent protests anticipated against the backdrop of Trump’s planned activities in Scotland.
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Additional Resources
- USA Today: Trump Scotland Golf Resort
- Wikipedia: Donald Trump
- The Guardian: Not Welcome Scotland Donald Trump Visit
- Google Search: Trump Scotland visit 2025
- CNN: Trump Scotland Golf Epstein Scandal
- Google Scholar: Trump Scotland 2025
- BBC: Coverage of Trump’s Visit to Scotland
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Scotland
