News Summary
President Donald Trump is set to visit Scotland for five days, engaging in diplomatic and leisure activities while facing protests and controversy. During his stay, he will stay at his luxury golf resorts and meet with the British Prime Minister. His visit follows a trade agreement announcement, raising concerns among locals about his previous business promises and the impact of his golf ventures. Protests are expected, highlighting the community’s disapproval of Trump’s activities and policies as he opens a new golf course in Balmedie.
Edinburgh, Scotland – President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Scotland on July 25, 2025, for a five-day visit that will include a mix of diplomacy, business, and leisure activities. His arrival is scheduled for 8:20 PM local time (1920 GMT), and he will be staying at two of his luxury golf resorts: Trump Turnberry and Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire.
During his stay, Trump, an avid golfer, is expected to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, although the details of this meeting have not been disclosed. Notably, Starmer is not recognized for his enthusiasm for golf, contrasting Trump’s passion for the sport. The White House has confirmed that there will be no public events scheduled for Trump on July 26 and 27.
This visit follows the recent announcement of a trade agreement between the US and UK in May 2025, which has raised concerns in London due to Trump’s stated intentions to “refine” the deal. Trump is also planning a return to the UK in September for a state visit at the invitation of King Charles III.
Trump’s visit occurs amidst ongoing scrutiny related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, which connects him to the convicted sex offender. In addition to this controversy, Trump has faced criticism from members of his own party who seek access to Epstein case files and promote conspiracy theories about elite involvement.
Protests against Trump are planned in major cities including Edinburgh and Aberdeen, with a strong police presence anticipated. Many residents, particularly in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, oppose Trump’s golf resort projects, alleging he has not fulfilled his promises of job creation and economic investment. Trump’s commitment in 2006 to invest $1.5 billion into the Balmedie project has not materialized, as he has reportedly only spent about $120 million and created significantly fewer jobs than expected.
Financial struggles have plagued Trump’s golf courses, with the Balmedie course alone losing approximately $1.9 million in 2023. Local sentiment towards Trump is largely negative; surveys indicate that about 70% of Scots have an unfavorable opinion of him, reflecting a sentiment stronger than that among the broader British public.
While in Scotland, Trump is also set to open a new 18-hole golf course in Balmedie, named the MacLeod Course in honor of his late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod. In response to his visit, various groups have organized a festival of resistance against Trump and his policies.
The security measures for Trump’s visit are expected to be extensive, rivaling operations carried out during the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. Critics of Trump’s visits highlight that the financial burden of security falls on local communities and raise concerns about the tensions generated between residents and the impact of government support for his golf ventures.
Trump has a complicated and historical relationship with Scotland, a nation where he often expresses affection and with which his family shares roots. The National Library estimates that approximately 34 out of 45 US presidents have some Scottish ancestry, indicating a long-standing bond between the two nations despite local opposition to Trump’s business practices.
Previous visits from Trump have sparked considerable protest, with thousands of demonstrators taking to the streets. High-profile actions have included flying protest banners and organizing large-scale demonstrations against him. As he embarks on this visit, local residents remain wary of his impact on the community and the environment.
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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
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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga 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 the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
