Trump returns to US after busy Scotland visit
Donald Trump has concluded his four-day trip to Scotland and returned to the US. During his visit, he mixed business with pleasure by engaging in a "private visit", where he negotiated a significant trade deal and met with the UK and Scottish heads of government, in addition to playing golf.
While promoting his golf courses in Turnberry and Menie, Trump reached an agreement with the president of the EU Commission to reduce EU tariffs on exports to the US from 30% to 15%. He also discussed various topics, including whisky tariffs and the situation in Gaza, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scotland's First Minister John Swinney.
Upon arriving in Scotland on Air Force One, Trump was escorted to his Turnberry golf resort in South Ayrshire by a large motorcade, accompanied by Police Scotland vehicles and ambulance crews. He departed from RAF Lossiemouth on Air Force One and is now heading back to Washington DC.
During his visit, Trump reiterated his opposition to wind farms, citing concerns about their impact on the landscape. His company, Trump International, had previously lost a legal battle against a wind power project near his golf course in Aberdeenshire.
Trump, who has Scottish roots through his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, expressed his affection for Scotland during the trip. He played golf at Turnberry, met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and discussed various issues with UK and Scottish leaders.
The discussions led to an agreement to set US tariffs on European goods at 15%. Trump also received a European-led peace plan for Gaza from Starmer and engaged in talks with Swinney regarding Scotch whisky tariffs and the situation in Gaza.
Trump departed Scotland after playing a round of golf at his new course in Aberdeenshire and stated that he was returning to Washington DC to address global issues. His visit prompted a significant security operation in South Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire, with road closures, diversions, and protests from both supporters and opponents.