Trump Visits Scotland as U.S.-EU Trade Deal Nears Deadline

President Trump arrived in Scotland for a high-profile visit where he is scheduled to meet with EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen and Scottish First Minister John Swinney to discuss transatlantic trade relations amid escalating tariff tensions. Trump indicated there is a "50-50 chance, maybe less," of striking a trade deal with the European Union before the August 1 deadline, warning that failure to reach an agreement could result in a 30% tariff on EU goods. The EU has been actively pursuing a deal to avoid these punitive tariffs, which would affect its 27 member countries, while also preparing retaliatory measures on $109 billion worth of U.S. goods if talks collapse. Discussions reportedly include potential carve-outs from tariffs for critical sectors such as aircraft, steel, lumber, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Despite recent efforts and ongoing negotiations, including trade talks with other nations like Japan, China, and the UK, uncertainty remains high. The meeting in Scotland represents a crucial step in the U.S.-EU trade standoff with significant global economic implications.