Donald Trump is set to visit Scotland for five days starting Friday, but the trip is expected to focus largely on his golf resorts rather than diplomatic engagements. The US president will primarily visit two of his golf properties and dedicate a new course named after his mother, who was born in Scotland. Critics argue the visit amounts to a taxpayer-funded junket to promote his business interests.
The White House has provided few details about the itinerary, with secrecy blamed on a desire to avoid scrutiny. As of Tuesday, the US administration had not shared the schedule with Scottish police, who are preparing for protests. The trip comes ahead of a more formal state visit to the UK in September, where Trump will meet King Charles.
While official meetings with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney are planned, Trump will spend most of his time at his own properties. The Trump Organization is already advertising the new 18-hole course near Aberdeen as the “greatest 36 holes in golf,” alongside an existing course opened in 2012.
This is the latest instance of Trump using the presidency to promote his businesses, with little pushback from Congress or the media. In his first six months back in office, Trump has made 62 visits to his golf courses, a 37% increase from his first term. The watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington estimates these trips cost taxpayers significantly, while the Trump family’s wealth has grown by nearly $3bn since January.
The trip has also drawn attention due to the White House’s decision to ban Wall Street Journal reporters from the press pool, in retaliation for a story linking Trump to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Critics say this further highlights the administration’s efforts to avoid accountability.
