U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Scotland on Thursday evening for a four-day private visit, marking a rare trip by a sitting American president to the country. His visit includes high-level meetings, golf course openings, and renewed criticism of wind energy and immigration policies in Europe.
Air Force One touched down at Prestwick Airport shortly before 8:30 p.m., where Trump was received by Scottish Secretary Ian Murray and U.S. Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens. He spoke briefly to journalists before departing for his Turnberry golf resort in South Ayrshire.
“It’s great to be in Scotland,” President Trump told reporters, as his motorcade of more than two dozen vehicles made its way to the resort.
Praise for Starmer and Trade Deal
Trump expressed admiration for UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, whom he is set to meet on Monday. “I like your Prime Minister. He’s slightly more liberal than I am – as you’ve probably heard – but he’s a good man. He got a trade deal done,” he said. “They worked on that deal for 12 years — he got it done. It’s a good deal for the UK.”
He also spoke positively of Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, calling him “a good man”, and said he looks forward to their meeting.
Golf, Protests, and a Security Clampdown
Trump is expected to spend the weekend at Turnberry before traveling to Aberdeenshire to open a new 18-hole golf course at his Menie estate. Referring to the late actor Sean Connery, Trump said: “If it weren’t for Sean Connery, we wouldn’t have those great courses — he helped get me the permits.”
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His arrival has sparked planned protests in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, and a large-scale security operation is underway across South Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire. Police Scotland, reinforced by officers from across the UK, has implemented road closures, diversions, and security checkpoints, including a high perimeter fence around Turnberry.
Criticism of Wind Farms and Immigration
Speaking at Prestwick, Trump took aim at wind energy projects, calling them harmful to the landscape and wildlife. “Stop the windmills. You’re ruining your countries. It’s so sad,” he said. “They’re ruining your beautiful fields and valleys, and if they’re in the ocean, they’re ruining your oceans.”
Trump has long opposed wind power projects in Scotland, including one off the coast of Aberdeen that he fought, and lost, in court in 2019.
He also delivered a warning on illegal immigration, calling it an “invasion that’s killing Europe.” Drawing parallels to his own U.S. immigration policies, Trump claimed, “Last month, we had nobody entering our country. Nobody. We shut it down.”
He accused Europe of failing to act, saying, “You’ve got to stop this horrible invasion or you won’t have Europe anymore.”
Epstein Case, Pardons, and Diplomacy
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