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EPADonald Trump will spend the second full day of his visit to Scotland back on the golf course before meeting the EU Commission president for trade talks.
Despite showery conditions, the US president is expected to play another round at Turnberry in South Ayrshire with guests and family, including his son Eric.
It is believed his only major business meeting will be with Ursula von der Leyen, who has said they will discuss “transatlantic trade relations, and how we can keep them strong”.
Trump is due to meet UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney on Monday, as well as opening a second 18-hole course at his estate in Aberdeenshire.
Von der Leyen met with Swinney on Saturday and thanked him for a “warm welcome in Scotland” in a post on Instagram.
The president arrived in Scotland on Friday evening, with Air Force One touching down at Glasgow Prestwick Airport before his entourage travelled to nearby Turnberry.
He has said he “it’s great to be in Scotland” and has praised Starmer and Swinney ahead of meeting them.
A major security operation was ramped up at Turnberry before Trump played 18 holes on Saturday.
He waved to photographers and the assembled media as his day passed without incident.
Several roads remain closed in the area while police and military personnel have been carrying out checks around the resort.
Getty ImagesA security checkpoint has been put in place outside the hotel and a large fence has been erected around the course.
Elsewhere, several hundred demonstrators gathered in both Aberdeen and Edinburgh on Saturday to protest against the visit.
Trump is expected to meet Starmer and Swinney on Monday before officially opening his new golf course at Menie in Aberdeenshire.
The US president will travel back to Washington on Tuesday and is due to return to the UK for an official state visit in September.
ReutersFormer U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the golf course on the second day of his visit to Scotland, drawing attention from media, supporters, and protesters alike. The visit is part of a wider tour of Trump Organization properties in the UK and Ireland, but as always with Trump, it’s more than just a leisure trip — it’s political theatre, business promotion, and controversy all rolled into one.
A Presidential Tee Time
On day two of his Scottish stop, Trump was spotted enjoying a round of golf at Trump Turnberry, his luxury golf resort on the west coast of Scotland. Dressed in his signature MAGA hat and a windbreaker, the former president appeared relaxed as he played several holes with longtime business associates and family members.
Turnberry, which Trump bought in 2014, has been at the center of both his business portfolio and political image. The scenic course, overlooking the Firth of Clyde, has hosted numerous Open Championships and remains a symbol of Trump’s global business interests.
“Scotland is a very special place to me,” Trump said in brief comments to reporters. “Turnberry is one of the finest courses in the world — we’ve done a tremendous job restoring it.”
A Mix of Politics and Business
While the visit is ostensibly a personal and business-focused tour, many observers see it as politically strategic. Trump is currently the Republican frontrunner in the race for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, and his international trips help maintain visibility, especially among global media.
His presence in Scotland also renews interest in the Trump Organization’s controversial international dealings. Though he no longer directly runs the company, Trump remains the figurehead — and any international trip inevitably brings scrutiny to his business empire.
Reports suggest that he has been reviewing ongoing renovations at Turnberry and assessing investment opportunities tied to Scottish tourism and real estate. Local media outlets have noted increased security presence and temporary road closures around the resort.
Supporters and Protesters Gather
As with most Trump appearances, the visit drew mixed reactions. Supporters, waving American and Scottish flags, gathered at Turnberry’s gates to show their admiration. Some praised his handling of the economy during his presidency and his tough stance on immigration and trade.
“He’s a strong leader, and he doesn’t back down,” said Allan McLean, a Scottish fan who traveled from Glasgow to catch a glimpse of the former president. “I hope he wins in 2024.”
However, not everyone welcomed Trump’s return. Protesters also assembled outside the resort, holding signs reading “Climate Criminal,” “Not Welcome Here,” and “Stop Trump.” Environmental groups in particular have criticized the ecological impact of his resort developments on sensitive coastal land.
“This is someone who denies climate change while flying in on private jets to promote luxury resorts,” said Emily Fraser, an activist from Extinction Rebellion Scotland. “We don’t want our country used as a playground for the ultra-wealthy.”
Scottish Politics Weigh In
Trump’s visit has also sparked responses from within Scotland’s political circles. Some Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) have expressed concern over the optics of hosting a former U.S. president who remains a deeply polarizing figure.
While First Minister Humza Yousaf did not meet with Trump during the visit, he reiterated Scotland’s commitment to environmental sustainability and ethical business practices, noting that “all visitors are welcome if they respect Scotland’s values and laws.”
What’s Next on Trump’s Tour?
Following his stay in Scotland, Trump is expected to visit Trump Doonbeg, his resort in County Clare, Ireland, where he plans to meet local officials and continue promoting his brand.
Though officially a private trip, the tour has political undertones that align with Trump’s broader 2024 campaign strategy — keeping his name in the headlines, projecting power, and reminding voters of his global stature.
Conclusion: A Familiar Scene with New Stakes
Donald Trump’s return to the golf course in Scotland is more than a relaxing escape — it’s a calculated blend of business, politics, and image-building. As the 2024 election draws closer, every move he makes, including teeing off at a luxury resort, is being watched for clues about his strategy, ambitions, and continued influence on the world stage.