Donald Trump arrived in Scotland on Friday evening to begin a five-day stay centred around his golf resorts in Aberdeen and Turnberry. He stated that he hopes to “improve” the trade agreement negotiated with the UK in May. The talks he plans with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer include the possibility of lowering US tariffs on UK steel and pursuing a longer‑term reduction in duties on Scotch whisky.
On departing for Scotland, he said, “We are going to talk about the trade deal we made, and maybe even improve it.” He aimed to signal optimism about resolving outstanding issues from the deal.
Steel Tariffs in the Trade Spotlight
British and US trade negotiators have been working to reduce a 25 per cent US tariff on UK steel exports—already lower than the 50 per cent rate applied to steel from many other countries. A specific focus is Port Talbot’s steel, where critics claim the steel may not be entirely melted and poured in the UK, raising questions about origin rules.
In London, officials cautiously welcomed Trump’s upbeat remarks, hoping for progress. However, once in Scotland he downplayed concerns, stating the existing trade deal is “great for both” and that it has already been concluded. Despite indicating the meeting would address other topics beyond the deal, he described Starmer as “a good man” and “slightly more liberal” – offering a conciliatory tone.
Related: US Steel & Aluminum Tariffs to Add Over $100 B to Import Costs
Diplomacy Beyond the UK: EU Relations in the Mix
On Sunday, Trump will meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as the US and EU attempt to defuse mounting trade tensions. He praised her as a “highly respected woman” but also issued strong criticism against UK and EU policies on wind energy and immigration, warning that those trends could threaten the future of Europe. “Stop the windmills,” he declared, emphasising his opposition to renewable energy investments.
Turnberry, Aberdeen and Security Arrangements
Trump’s itinerary includes visits to his resorts in Turnberry and Aberdeen. He expressed confidence that the British Open golf championship will return to Turnberry, calling it “the number one course in the world” and “the best resort in the world.” He also plans to meet John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, praising him as “a good man” and referencing his Scottish heritage: “My mother was born in Scotland.”
Scotland’s leadership stressed that, beyond commercial interests, they intend to raise humanitarian issues, including the crisis in Gaza, to ensure Scotland’s voice is heard internationally.
Security measures are significant: a major police operation is under way across Scotland during the visit.
Protesters Raise Environmental Concerns
Ahead of Trump’s arrival, protest activity escalated. Greenpeace activists abseiled from the Forth Road Bridge to disrupt a tanker delivering US gas to Grangemouth, where part‑ownership lies with Ineos. They unfurled banners calling for a UN-backed plastics treaty, arguing that Ineos opposed such global standards. Ineos responded that limiting production is less effective than advancing recycling solutions and described the stunt as “counter‑productive”.
