News Summary
President Donald Trump’s upcoming five-day visit to Scotland has generated mixed reactions, ranging from diplomatic meetings to protests over his golf ventures. While he is set to stay at his luxury resorts, public events are limited, and tensions regarding a recent trade agreement linger. Trump’s history in Scotland faces scrutiny amid economic difficulties linked to his golf courses, with significant public opposition expected during his stay, particularly in Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
Edinburgh
President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Scotland on July 25, 2025, for a five-day visit that will include a mix of business, leisure, and diplomatic engagements. His arrival is scheduled for 8:20 PM local time (1920 GMT), and he plans to stay at two of his luxury golf resorts: Trump Turnberry and Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire.
Despite the extensive itinerary, the White House has confirmed that there are no public events planned for Trump on July 26 and 27. However, it is expected that he will have a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, though details regarding the agenda and timing of this meeting remain undisclosed. Unlike Trump, who is an avid golfer, Starmer is not particularly known for his interest in the sport.
The context of Trump’s visit is complicated by recent tensions between the US and the UK regarding a trade agreement announced in May 2025, after which the UK expressed concerns about Trump’s intentions to “refine” the deal. Additionally, Trump plans to return to the UK in September for a state visit, at the invitation of King Charles III.
Controversies and Protests Amid Trump’s Visit
Trump’s upcoming trip to Scotland occurs against a backdrop of scrutiny related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, which has drawn media attention and spurred conspiracy theories connecting Trump to the convicted sex offender. In response to media coverage on this topic, the White House has reportedly taken measures against The Wall Street Journal, denying its staff a seat on Air Force One for the return flight after reporting on Trump’s associations with Epstein.
This visit has prompted protests in both Edinburgh and Aberdeen, with a significant police presence anticipated. Opposition to Trump’s golf resort projects has been strong, particularly against his golf course in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire. Residents have accused Trump of failing to follow through on promises to deliver job creation and economic investment in the region.
Trump’s Economic Impact in Scotland
In 2006, Trump pledged to invest $1.5 billion into the Balmedie project but has reportedly spent only around $120 million while creating far fewer jobs than expected. In 2023, his Balmedie course recorded a financial loss of $1.9 million. Polls indicate that public sentiment toward Trump is predominantly negative, with around 70% of Scots viewing him unfavorably compared to the general British public.
During his visit, Trump is scheduled to dedicate a new 18-hole golf course in Balmedie, named the MacLeod Course in honor of his late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod. While Trump has expressed affection for Scotland, citing his mother’s Scottish heritage, his business dealings have drawn significant opposition from local residents and environmentalists.
Historical Precedent and Security Measures
Security measures for Trump’s visit are expected to be the largest since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, reflecting the high level of concern over potential unrest. Previous visits by Trump have been met with large-scale protests, including thousands of demonstrators and notable public actions such as flying protest banners. Critics also point out that the costs associated with security for Trump’s private visits place a financial strain on local communities, creating tensions over governmental support for his golf ventures.
Addressing the broader historical context, the National Library has estimated that approximately 34 out of 45 US presidents share some Scottish ancestry, showcasing the complex relationship between the US leadership and the Scottish populace.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
