Donald Trump has just started a very significant journey to Scotland. He plans to meet with Scottish First Minister John Swinney while on his visit. This trip is hugely personal for Trump. His mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was an immigrant from Scotland to the U.S. During his time in Scotland, Trump aims to discuss various issues, including trade and international conflicts, amidst a backdrop of protests against his presence.
Given Trump’s campaign-trail itinerary, we know we will see him at his luxury golf courses in Balmedie and Turnberry. The Turnberry course has hosted the Open Championship four times and remains a symbol of Trump’s investment in Scottish golf. His arrival has not been without controversy, as demonstrators have taken to the streets, holding signs proclaiming that “Scotland hated Trump before it was fashionable.” This speaks to the very real partisan divides in the country around support for Trump’s policies and personal behavior.
A Meeting of Importance
Our meeting with John Swinney will explore several key areas of interest. One major area of emphasis will be the United Kingdom’s trade relations with the United States. Trump’s administration signed an ambitious US-UK trade deal. This new deal puts a 10 percent tariff on British products coming to the US market.
Swinney acknowledged the historical ties between Scotland and the United States, stating, “Scotland shares a strong friendship with the United States that goes back centuries. The partnership remains steadfast through economic, cultural and ancestral links – including, of course, with the president himself.”
…making his trip a potentially landmark meeting with new UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Along with highlighting a commitment to advancing bilateral economic ties, these conversations remain focused on addressing larger challenges that impact both countries.
Protests and Public Sentiment
Although Trump’s popularity is high among certain sectors, his visit has already been met with resistance from dozens of organizations and activists. Activists from Stop Trump Scotland expressed their discontent, declaring that “the people of Scotland don’t want to roll out a welcome mat for Donald Trump, whose government is accelerating the spread of climate breakdown around the world.”
Protester Dominic Hinde joined his voice to the opposition, saying he didn’t think Trump should expect a red carpet welcome. He stated, “Scotland doesn’t need to kowtow to the White House in the way that the Westminster bubble does. We can afford to be rude in a way that Keir Starmer can’t.”
Security has stepped up greatly in preparation for the expected protests that would welcome Trump on his visit. Authorities have used 5,000 police officers, army trucks, and road checkpoints to maintain order.
Golf and Rebuttals
Trump’s affinity for Scotland extends beyond family ties. He has a vested interest in the country’s golf industry. Rory McIlroy’s two golf courses in Scotland serve a large function of his overall business portfolio. Balmedie will be starting a new course this August. So he decided to go to Scotland. A lot of people consider this to be a tactical maneuver to preempt criticisms that would come from the European Union.
In recent statements, Trump has claimed that the United Kingdom benefits from a more favorable trade deal compared to other significant economies. He emphasized this point by stating, “The UK is very well protected. You know why? Because I like them. That’s their ultimate protection.”
Even regardless of all the other controversies associated with him, Trump’s tie to Scotland is strong. In many respects, he has walked the walk – he has repeatedly talked about his love for the country and its culture. His mother’s Scottish heritage has been central to his story and public image.
