Donald Trump is spending time on the golf course in Scotland, playing at Turnberry ahead of important trade talks. He arrived on Friday and has already played a round despite the wet weather. With him are family members, including his son, Eric. A small group of supporters gathered nearby, waving signs that showed their support for Trump.
Today, Trump is expected to meet with Ursula von der Leyen, the EU Commission president, to discuss trade relations. Von der Leyen has expressed interest in strengthening ties between the U.S. and the EU. In fact, recent data suggests that many European officials are optimistic about reaching some kind of agreement. However, Trump warned that failure to strike a deal could lead to a trade war, with potential tariffs as high as 30% on EU goods.
Interestingly, recent surveys show that public opinion is divided when it comes to Trump’s policies. A significant portion of Americans still supports his approach to trade, while others remain skeptical. This split mirrors the global response to U.S. trade policies, highlighting the complexities involved in international negotiations.
Security has been tight during Trump’s visit, with many roads closed and police stationed around the golf course. Protests have also erupted in cities like Edinburgh and Aberdeen, where demonstrators voiced their opposition to his visit and trade strategies. Trump will meet UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer next, focusing on tariffs and trade agreements, especially following a deal struck in May to lower tariffs on select British imports to the U.S.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney sees this as a chance to represent Scottish interests, including addressing trade and other pressing global issues like the conflict in Gaza. Trump’s itinerary includes a visit to another of his golf courses in Aberdeenshire later in the week.
As Trump wraps up his time in Scotland, both supporters and critics are closely watching these developments, highlighting the ongoing debate about the future of U.S.-European relations.