EDINBURGH/LONDON, July 25 – U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Scotland today for a blend of personal and political business, with a heavy spotlight on both his ambitions for a major trade deal with the European Union and renewed scrutiny surrounding his past ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The visit includes stops at his luxury golf properties and high-level meetings with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Touching down in Edinburgh, Trump greeted the crowd with a familiar mix of optimism and defiance. He confirmed plans to visit his Turnberry and Aberdeen golf courses and praised von der Leyen as a “highly respected woman.” Speaking to reporters, he expressed cautious optimism about finalizing a historic EU trade agreement, claiming it had a “50-50” chance of coming together. “It would be the biggest trade deal our administration has achieved so far,” he said, though he acknowledged lingering disagreements over nearly 20 different issues with Brussels.
The president’s remarks suggested the upcoming discussion with Prime Minister Starmer would focus more on celebrating progress than hammering out final terms. “The agreement we have in place is already excellent,” he stated. “It’s a win for both sides.”
Trump noted before leaving Washington that European officials were eager to strike a deal. While details remain under negotiation, diplomats indicate the arrangement may include a 15% tariff on EU goods—similar to the structure of a recent agreement with Japan and significantly lower than the 30% tariff Trump had initially threatened to enforce by August 1.
The administration has continued its strategy of leveraging tariffs to reshape global trade. A 10% baseline tariff introduced earlier this year remains in place, with higher rates looming for countries that resist bilateral accords. Although Trump argues that the tariffs are necessary to cut the trade deficit and increase national income, economists warn that these actions might worsen inflation, which is already impacting international markets.
Protests and Public Discontent in Scotland
Despite the fanfare from some onlookers, Trump’s arrival in Scotland was met with vocal opposition. Local sentiment remains broadly negative, with recent polling showing that around 70% of Scots view the U.S. president unfavorably. Authorities in both Edinburgh and Aberdeen are preparing for widespread demonstrations this weekend, with protestors citing both political disagreements and discontent over Trump’s longstanding presence in Scottish real estate.
Trump plans to remain at his Turnberry resort through the weekend before heading north to Aberdeen on Monday, where he is scheduled to inaugurate a new 18-hole course named in honor of his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, a native of the Hebrides who emigrated to the United States in her youth.
This visit to Scotland also provides a diplomatic stage for Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to strengthen ties following the successful tariff-reduction agreement earlier this year. Starmer, elected last year, has prioritized rebuilding transatlantic relations while balancing domestic and EU trade policies. Since May, the two governments have implemented a framework agreement maintaining tariff and quota arrangements on automobiles and eliminating aerospace sector tariffs, although U.S. tariffs on British steel remain a sticking point.
Sources close to both administrations indicate that while Starmer will likely raise the steel issue again, a conclusive resolution during Trump’s visit remains uncertain.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza are also expected to be discussed. Starmer recently announced plans to hold an emergency call with France and Germany to address worsening conditions in Gaza, calling for immediate humanitarian aid access. Trump has not publicly commented on the situation in recent days, but administration officials say the matter is on the discussion list for his talks with Starmer and other leaders.
Epstein Questions Cloud Diplomatic Tour
Trump’s return to the international stage has been complicated by a resurgence of questions about his connections to Epstein, whose 2019 death in a New York prison reignited public and political debate. When asked about the renewed scrutiny, Trump lashed out at the media and critics.
“You’re blowing this up like it’s something big when it’s really not,” Trump told journalists shortly after landing in Scotland. “Why not talk about Clinton? Or the guys from Harvard? Or the Wall Street crowd that was always around Epstein? Don’t talk about Trump.”
The Epstein controversy appears to have chipped away at some of Trump’s base, with polling indicating skepticism even among Republicans. Many believe the full story remains hidden, and officials in the White House are reportedly hoping that time overseas will help reduce public attention on the matter.
Nonetheless, the controversy continues to follow the president. Critics argue that his unwillingness to directly address concerns only fuels suspicion. Trump, on the other hand, insists his administration’s achievements should be the focus, stating, “These have been the best six months of any presidency, period.”
After this visit, Trump is set to come back to the UK between September 17 and 19 for an official state visit at the invitation of King Charles. The upcoming visit will mark Trump’s second official state visit to Britain, making him the only world leader in modern history to receive such an honor twice. His first visit was hosted by Queen Elizabeth in 2019.