
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is traveling to Scotland this weekend to attend the launch of a new golf course his company is opening in Aberdeenshire. The course, set to open on August 13, is being promoted as offering “the greatest 36 holes in golf.”
Trump left Washington, DC on Friday, July 25, accompanied by a large team of aides, Secret Service agents, White House staff, and reporters. He is scheduled to land near Glasgow in the evening and will spend the weekend at his family’s Turnberry golf resort. He plans to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the trip, likely at one of his Scottish properties.
This visit highlights how Trump continues to combine official duties with personal business. Even during his presidency, Trump often used international trips to promote Trump Organization properties, and this trend continues in his current term. While official meetings are on the agenda, showcasing the golf course is a major focus.
Trump is expected to stay in Scotland through the weekend, meet with PM Starmer, and then visit the new course site near Aberdeen. He is scheduled to return to Washington on Tuesday.
Before flying to Scotland, Trump addressed several key topics during a media interaction. On trade, he spoke about the European Union, saying the U.S. has a “50/50 chance” of reaching a trade agreement before new 30% tariffs take effect on August 1. He noted that negotiations are tough, but the U.S. will continue working toward a deal.
On economic matters, Trump said he had a “good meeting” with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell earlier in the week. Trump hinted that Powell may soon recommend lower interest rates, which he believes would help the U.S. economy grow faster. Despite some public disagreements, Trump said Powell congratulated him on the country’s economic performance.
The former president also commented on the Israel-Hamas conflict, saying a ceasefire deal looks unlikely. According to Trump, Hamas has lost leverage in negotiations and now lacks “bargaining chips.” He predicted that Hamas leaders would soon be “hunted down” by Israeli or allied forces.
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Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said the U.S. would be cutting short ceasefire talks with Hamas after the group’s latest response showed little interest in reaching a truce.
In another controversial moment, Trump was asked about possibly pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of financier Jeffrey Epstein. Trump said he has the power to grant a pardon but added, “I certainly can’t talk about pardons now.” The Justice Department has recently reopened parts of the Epstein case under pressure for more transparency.
While the trip to Scotland is officially about promoting U.S. interests and building relationships, Trump’s tight link between government business and private enterprise continues to raise questions. The Trump Organization already has one course near Aberdeen and will open its second location next month.
Critics argue that mixing public office with private business can create conflicts of interest, but Trump and his team insist that promoting U.S. business success—including his own—is part of his leadership style.
Trump's approach has always blended politics, business, and publicity. His supporters view this as part of his “America First” philosophy, while his critics see it as self-serving.
The new golf course in Aberdeenshire is another addition to Trump’s international business empire. It comes at a time when he’s not only managing domestic issues but also navigating global diplomacy, economic talks, and conflicts in the Middle East.
His upcoming meetings, especially with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will likely include discussions about U.S.–UK trade, NATO, and other international matters. However, the spotlight remains on how Trump continues to merge personal brand promotion with his political platform.
Trump’s return to Washington is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29, just two weeks before the official opening of his new golf course in Scotland. The visit reinforces his unique style of leadership—bold, business-focused, and always headline-grabbing.