TURNBERRY, SCOTLAND – July 27, 2025 – President Donald Trump’s five-day “working trip” to Scotland has been a whirlwind of high-stakes diplomatic meetings, extensive golf sessions at his family’s resorts, and widespread protests across the United Kingdom. The visit, which blends presidential duties with promoting the Trump Organization’s Scottish properties, has drawn significant attention both for its political implications and its personal focus.

Golf and Business on the Agenda

Upon arriving at Glasgow Prestwick Airport on Friday, July 25th, President Trump wasted no time heading to his renowned Trump Turnberry resort on Scotland’s west coast. The weekend saw him largely dedicated to golf, playing rounds on the iconic Ailsa Course with his son Eric and U.S. Ambassador to Britain Warren Stephens. Security was notably tight, with an armored golf cart dubbed “Golf Force One” seen accompanying the President on the course, and police and military personnel conducting extensive searches of the grounds.

The visit is also set to include a trip to his other Scottish golf course near Aberdeen, where the Trump family plans to cut the ribbon on a new, second course scheduled to officially open next month. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers emphasized the “world-class” nature of Trump’s golf courses, highlighting their use for prestigious tournaments.

High-Level Diplomatic Engagements

Despite the focus on his golf properties, President Trump engaged in crucial diplomatic talks. On Sunday, he held a significant meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at his Turnberry resort. The talks culminated in an agreement on trade, with President Trump announcing a deal setting a 15% tariff on most EU goods imported into the United States, a reduction from the 30% tariff he had previously threatened. The EU, in turn, agreed to accept U.S. imports without tariffs and to purchase $750 billion worth of U.S. energy.

“This was the big one. This is the biggest of them all,” Trump told reporters, though details of the agreement were still pending. Steel, aluminum, and pharmaceuticals were notably excluded from the deal, maintaining existing tariffs.

Looking ahead, President Trump is expected to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday, with discussions set to focus on refining the existing U.S.-UK trade agreement. He is also slated to meet with Scottish First Minister John Swinney, who has publicly stated his intention to raise the issue of human suffering in Gaza during their discussions.

Protests Across Scotland

President Trump’s visit has not been without its detractors. Hundreds of protesters took to the streets across Scotland, particularly in Edinburgh and near his golf resorts, to denounce his presence. Organized by groups like the “Stop Trump Coalition,” demonstrators voiced opposition to his policies, including those on immigration and climate change, and criticized British leaders for accommodating the visit. Signs bearing messages like “Trump Unwelcome” and criticizing the recent U.S.-UK trade deal were visible.

Upon his arrival, President Trump delivered sharp criticism of European immigration policies, stating, “This immigration is killing Europe. You better get your act together. You’re not going to have Europe anymore,” a statement that further fueled the protests.

While security was robust at his golf properties, designed to keep protesters at a distance, the sounds of demonstrations and anti-Trump chants were reported by some local media, at times met by music blaring from the President’s golf cart.

The President’s visit is scheduled to conclude on Tuesday, with his return to Washington, D.C. The trip has underscored the unique blend of personal and presidential activities that often characterize his overseas engagements, leaving a lasting impression on the Scottish landscape and the diplomatic arena.