Donald Trump Meets John Swinney, Opens New Golf Course in Scotland

President Donald Trump concluded his four-day visit to Scotland by opening a new 18-hole golf course at his Trump International Golf Links resort in Menie, Aberdeenshire, a project dedicated to his mother and begun in 2023. During his trip, Trump played multiple rounds of golf at his Turnberry resort and held bilateral talks with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney, focusing on trade issues including tariffs on Scotch whisky and Middle East concerns. Despite a recently signed US-UK trade agreement, a 10% tariff on Scotch whisky remains, which Swinney pledged to raise with Trump in hopes of securing exemptions to benefit Scotland’s economy. Trump expressed disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the Ukraine conflict and criticized wind turbines as “ugly monsters,” while affirming his admiration for North Sea oil and gas. The visit sparked protests and a significant police presence in Scotland, reflecting local opposition to Trump's developments and policies. Trump is scheduled to return to the UK in September for a second state visit, underscoring ongoing diplomatic and economic ties.