Donald Trump has landed in Scotland for a four-day private visit, bringing with him a heavy security presence, high-profile meetings, and plenty of controversy. From teeing off at Turnberry to facing mass protests and funding debates, here’s a breakdown of what’s happening during Trump’s whirlwind stay.
A major security operation is underway as former US President Donald Trump begins a four-day private visit to Scotland.
Trump arrived at Prestwick Airport on Friday evening and spent the night at his luxurious Trump Turnberry golf resort in South Ayrshire. Sporting a white “USA” cap and accompanied by his son Eric Trump, he teed off for a morning round of golf around 10:00 on Saturday.
During the visit, Trump is scheduled to meet with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scotland's First Minister John Swinney. He will also open a second 18-hole course at his estate in Aberdeenshire.
“It’s great to be in Scotland,” Trump told reporters, also expressing praise for both government leaders.
However, not everyone welcomed him. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Aberdeen and Edinburgh to protest his visit. Anita Bhadani, who helped organize the Stop Trump Coalition protest outside the US Consulate in Edinburgh, said:
“We are really excited. Across this whole weekend, so many campaign groups are turning out—it's kind of like a carnival of resistance.”
Many protestors carried signs echoing a profane slogan popularized by the late comedian Janey Godley during Trump’s 2018 visit.
The visit’s cost and its security implications have already sparked concern, with police representatives worried about staffing and budget pressures. Crowds of journalists, photographers, and aircraft enthusiasts watched Air Force One land just before 8:30 PM Friday.
Trump was welcomed by Scottish Secretary Ian Murray and US Ambassador Warren Stephens. A motorcade of over two dozen vehicles transported the president to Turnberry.
Road closures, police patrols, and military sweeps have tightened security around the resort. A perimeter fence and security checkpoint are now in place. Despite this, a few golfers accessed the Ailsa course early Saturday, although windy conditions prevailed. Helicopters and drones monitored the area from above.
Trump’s golf entourage included Eric Trump, Ambassador Stephens, Stephens’ son, and 15 golf carts. A summer round at Turnberry can cost up to £1,000. Protestors were notably absent from the course area. As he approached the fourth tee, Trump waved to photographers perched on nearby dunes.
According to the White House, Donald Trump Jr. is also accompanying his father for the weekend.
Coinciding with the visit, the Scottish Government announced £180,000 in public funding to support the 2025 Nexo Championship, a major golf tournament on the DP World Tour, which will be held at Trump’s Aberdeenshire course from August 7-10.
First Minister John Swinney said the funding reflects the government’s continued support for golf:
“As the home of golf, we have a long-standing track record of support. I am proud this funding will enhance Aberdeenshire’s reputation and hope it brings future golfing events.”
Trump is expected to meet Swinney on Monday, the same day he will also meet PM Keir Starmer. On Sunday, he’ll sit down with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss transatlantic trade.
He will return to Washington on Tuesday, but is due back in the UK in September for an official state visit.
During a press stop at Prestwick, Trump criticized European nations' handling of migration and renewable energy, stating:
“Get your act together… and stop the windmills.”
His long-standing opposition to wind energy resurfaced, referencing his failed 2019 legal battle to block an offshore wind project near his Menie golf course in Aberdeen, claiming it spoiled the view.
Swinney stated that his meeting with Trump would be an opportunity to discuss expanding US-Scotland business ties, as well as raising international issues, including the situation in Gaza.
He urged all demonstrators to protest peacefully and within the law.
Visits from sitting US presidents to Scotland are rare. Notable past visits include:
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Dwight D. Eisenhower at Balmoral (1957)
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George W. Bush at Gleneagles for the G8 summit (2005)
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Joe Biden at COP26 in Glasgow (2021)
Trump is the only sitting US president to visit Scotland twice this century. His 2018 trip was marked by heavy protests, including a paraglider breaching the air exclusion zone over Turnberry.
He returned again in 2023, two and a half years after losing the presidency to Joe Biden.
In September, Trump and First Lady Melania will return for a state visit hosted by King Charles at Windsor Castle—a rare honor typically not extended to second-term US presidents.
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