European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to meet US President Donald Trump in Scotland on Sunday at his invitation, as negotiations for a transatlantic trade deal near completion. Trump arrived in Scotland on Friday evening ahead of the opening of his new golf course in Aberdeenshire, and is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday.
Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin said on Friday that a deal would 'hopefully be signed off before the weekend is over'. Trump described von der Leyen as a 'highly respected woman' and estimated a 'good 50-50 chance' for an agreement, citing 'maybe 20 different things' as sticking points. He added that it 'would be the biggest deal of them all if we make it'.
Trump praised Starmer and Scotland's First Minister John Swinney, calling the latter 'a good man'. He criticised EU immigration levels, describing them as an 'invasion', and opposed windfarms, claiming they ruin landscapes and kill birds. The EU is reportedly resigned to an agreement in principle on 15% baseline tariffs, including on cars, which would make European brands more costly for US importers compared to British vehicles.
Trump hinted at expanding his existing trade deal with the UK, signed in May, which reduced car tariffs from 27.5% to 10% in exchange for increased imports of US beef and ethanol. However, concerns remain from UK farmers, with National Farmers' Union President Tom Bradshaw warning against allowing US dairy products, which use hormones banned in the UK for 30 years.
