rump’s Trip to Scotland Echoes an Earlier Visit

Donald Trump’s current trip to Scotland, which began on Friday, July 25, 2025, indeed echoes earlier visits, particularly his trip in 2018 during his first term. The similarities highlight his consistent approach to blending presidential duties with his personal business interests, as well as the enduring mixed reception he receives in his mother’s homeland.

Here’s a comparison of how his current visit echoes earlier ones:

1. Blurring Lines Between Presidential Duties and Personal Business:

Then (2018): During his 2018 visit to the UK, which included meetings with the then-Prime Minister Theresa May, Trump notably spent time at his Turnberry golf course in Scotland. This drew criticism for using a presidential trip, funded by taxpayers, to promote his private businesses. The visit to Turnberry was en route to a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki.

Now (2025): The current five-day visit is overtly blending official engagements with personal business. Trump is visiting both his Turnberry course and his Trump International Golf Links near Aberdeen. A key part of this trip is the official opening of a new golf course at the Aberdeenshire property, the MacLeod Course, dedicated to his Scottish-born mother. While the White House has described it as a “working trip” and he is indeed meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the significant focus on his golf properties is undeniable. Critics are again pointing out the unusual nature of a sitting president using a taxpayer-funded overseas trip to promote his private ventures.

2. Golf as a Central Theme:

Then (Multiple Visits): Golf has always been a core reason for Trump’s visits to Scotland, where he owns two major resorts. He has frequently played and promoted these courses.

Now (2025): This trip is no exception, arguably even more focused on golf given the opening of the new course. He is not just playing, but actively showcasing and inaugurating new facilities, reinforcing the role of his golf empire in his public persona.

3. Cost to Taxpayers and Security Concerns:

Then (2018): His 2018 visit incurred substantial costs for Scottish police and UK taxpayers, due to the extensive security operations required for a US President, particularly one who draws protests.

Now (2025): This trip is also expected to be highly expensive for U.S. and Scottish taxpayers. Police Scotland is undertaking a “significant police operation,” diverting thousands of officers, and protests are once again planned in various locations across Scotland. Estimates suggest the trip could cost U.S. taxpayers alone millions of dollars, largely due to Air Force One operations and Secret Service expenses.

4. Mixed Public and Political Reception:

Then (Multiple Visits): Trump’s previous visits were met with a mix of local support (especially from those employed by his resorts) and significant public protests. Scottish political figures have often been critical.

Now (2025): The current visit continues this pattern. While some local residents and business interests might welcome the attention and potential economic benefit, large-scale protests are organized by groups with diverse concerns, ranging from his policies on immigration and climate change to his personal conduct and business practices. Scottish First Minister John Swinney is meeting with him, but the overall Scottish political establishment has historically been less effusive in their welcome compared to official state visits.

5. Emphasis on Scottish Heritage (His Mother’s Roots):

Then (Multiple Visits): Trump has often spoken of his pride in his Scottish ancestry, with his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, having been born on the Isle of Lewis.

Now (2025): This personal connection is emphasized even more strongly with the dedication of the new golf course in Aberdeenshire, named the “MacLeod Course” after his mother. This personal touch is a consistent element of his narrative around his Scottish properties.

In essence, Trump’s 2025 trip to Scotland is not just a return, but a continuation of themes and patterns established in his earlier visits,