Donald Trump, the real estate mogul turned President of the United States, landed in the United Kingdom late Friday. It is symbolic because he is launching a very important diplomatic visit that features meaningful trade discussions. Trump’s visit is of special personal importance as his mother was born in Scotland. He is set to engage in talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The former president’s arrival occurs against a much more complicated backdrop. As he does so, he’s coming under greater scrutiny about his political connections to people such as Jeffrey Epstein. This visit comes at a particularly pertinent moment in time. The August 1 deadline for implementing these punitive 30-percent tariffs specifically targeting EU imports is just around the corner. Earlier, Trump had claimed the odds for a successful trade deal with the EU were “50-50.” Just yesterday, Speaker McCarthy was saying he was doubtful that they’d come to a deal.
While in Scotland, one Trump stop is apparently his golf courses. As such, he frequently calls these classes his therapy under the sea. Yet, his presence is almost guaranteed to stir mass demonstrations led by labor, environmental, human rights, and other movements worried about his past political machinations and policy-shaping. Alena Ivanova, a local activist, stated, “Donald Trump may shake hands with our leaders, but he’s no friend of Scotland.”
In addition to trade discussions, Trump dismissed an announcement made by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding Paris recognizing Palestine’s statehood. He promised to do otherwise without such change in characterizing this move as unproductive and again laying out his case for negotiating bilateral deals. As for the deal’s tariff reductions, he said explicitly that they would have to be deeper on their side. These conversations were largely about future trade deals.
Trump’s approach has led to widespread condemnation, including from voices within his own party. A statement from The National expressed concern over the impact of Trump’s leadership: “We, the people of Scotland, see the damage he has done – to democracy and working people in the US, to the global efforts to tackle the climate crisis, to the very principles of justice and humanity.”
Trump’s call earlier this week with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was described as “very good.” His portrayal suggests an openness to collaborate, perhaps more than ever in our polarized political environment. He emphasized that any changes resulting from these talks would not significantly alter existing trade dynamics. “It’s not going to change anything,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, Trump is preparing for a first round of meetings aimed at addressing the challenging landscape of global trade. What remains an open question is whether these talks could help defuse tensions or provide better access for American companies.
