Trump Escapes Washington Controversies with Golf-Focused Trip to Scotland

President Donald Trump has left behind Washington's heat and political turbulence for a five-day “working visit” to Scotland, though much of the trip is expected to revolve around golf rather than diplomacy.

While the White House framed the visit as official, the schedule is relatively light, with trade talks slated for Sunday with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday.

In the meantime, Trump is expected to spend most of his time at two of his golf properties: the iconic Trump Turnberry resort on Scotland’s west coast, and Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire, not far from his mother’s birthplace.

“We have a lot of things in Scotland,” Trump said before departing Washington on Friday. “I have a lot of love.”

Controversies Shadowing the Visit

Trump’s getaway follows mounting pressure over his administration’s handling of the ongoing scandal involving Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and Trump’s former associate. Questions about Trump’s relationship with Epstein have dominated recent press interactions, amid growing scrutiny over newly surfaced links.

In contrast, the Scotland trip allows Trump to focus on more familiar territory — both literally and figuratively — as he pivots to trade talks and the promotion of his family’s golf businesses.

Dedication to Family and Golf

The highlight of the trip will be Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new 18-hole course in Aberdeenshire named the MacLeod Course, honoring Trump’s late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, who emigrated from Scotland to New York in 1930. A photo of her prominently adorns Trump’s desk in the Oval Office.

Despite his personal enthusiasm, Trump’s presence in Scotland has drawn widespread criticism. Protests erupted in Edinburgh and Aberdeen on Saturday, organized by the group Stop Trump Scotland as part of a broader “Festival of Resistance.”

Fiona McPherson, a demonstrator in Aberdeen, said: “He bullied and intimidated local communities in Aberdeenshire. He’s not a nice person. America used to be our ally — now it’s just embarrassing.”

Adding to the backlash, The National, a Scottish newspaper supportive of independence, ran a stark headline Friday: “Convicted US Felon to Arrive in Scotland.”

Security on Alert

The visit is being treated as a major security operation. Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond stated it would be the largest since Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022, involving local police, national security teams, and special constables.

Despite protests, Trump remained upbeat upon arrival and expressed interest in meeting Scottish First Minister John Swinney, a frequent critic who endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024.

“He’s a good man,” Trump said. “I look forward to meeting him.”

EU Trade Talks in the Spotlight

Trump will meet EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday to discuss transatlantic trade. The meeting comes as a looming 30% tariff — set to take effect on August 1 — threatens US-EU economic relations.

Trump, who has criticized the EU in the past as being “formed to screw the US,” acknowledged the stakes: “This could be the biggest deal of them all,” he said Friday. Von der Leyen has been closely aligned with former President Joe Biden, complicating Sunday’s diplomatic exchange.

UK Relations and Future Visit

Trump will also meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday. The two have built a rapport since Starmer visited Washington earlier this year, discussing trade and defense issues. This meeting is considered a prelude to a more formal state visit in September, where Trump is expected to be received by King Charles III at Windsor Castle.

“This is really special,” Starmer said in February after extending the king’s invitation. “This has never happened before, this is unprecedented.”

Critics Speak Out

Back in Scotland, political figures have not been shy in expressing their displeasure. Green Party MP Patrick Harvie stated: “Donald Trump is a convicted criminal and a political extremist. There is no excuse for cozying up to his increasingly fascist agenda.”

Golf Front and Center

While official meetings dot the itinerary, the core of Trump’s trip is undeniably centered around golf. On Saturday, he played a round with US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens and the ambassador’s son. Trump’s sons, Eric and Donald Jr., also accompanied him for the weekend.

Trump will stay three nights at Trump Turnberry, which he has owned since 2014, and one night in Aberdeenshire, where he’ll preside over the dedication of the MacLeod Course.

“It’s the best resort in the world, I think,” Trump said of Turnberry.

Trump has expressed hopes of bringing The Open Championship back to Turnberry — last hosted there in 2009, before he acquired the course. Organizers, however, have cited inadequate infrastructure and political concerns. On Friday, The National newspaper ran a full-page ad urging organizers not to “let the divisiveness of Donald Trump hijack and overshadow this great event.”

Global Tour Highlights

This marks Trump’s fifth overseas trip since returning to office in January. His recent travels included:

• Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral (April)

• Middle East tour (May)

• G7 Summit in Canada

• NATO Summit in The Hague (June)

As always, golf remains a fixture of Trump’s presidency. Despite having criticized former presidents for playing too frequently, Trump continues to spend many weekends on the course — whether in Florida, New Jersey, or now, Scotland.