Trump’s Scotland trip is a masterclass in mixing presidential optics with private profit. He landed Friday at Prestwick Airport, rolled straight into Turnberry, and spent the weekend golfing while the taxpayer picked up the tab. The White House calls it a “working visit.” That’s one way to describe ribbon-cutting ceremonies at his own resorts.
He’s not just playing golf. He’s opening a second 18-hole course at Trump International Scotland in Aberdeenshire. The new course is named after his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was born on the Isle of Lewis. The resort is already selling tee times for August 13. The president’s motorcade rolled past protesters holding signs like “Scotland hated Trump before it was fashionable.” Police deployed snipers and quad bikes to secure the dunes.
Trump’s schedule includes meetings with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The trade talks are real. So is the backdrop: Trump’s branded properties. The EU is still waiting for confirmation on its tariff rates. The UK already locked in a 10% deal. Trump says Britain is “very well protected” because “I like them.” That’s the trade policy.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney said “Cancel Trump’s visit.” Then handed over £180,000 in public funds to stage the 2025 Nexo Championship at Trump’s Aberdeen course. Swinney will meet Trump this week. He says he’ll raise Gaza and Ukraine. Trump says Swinney is “a good man.” That’s the diplomatic exchange.
President Trump credits legendary Scottish actor Sean Connery with helping him get the permits for his great golf courses in Scotland pic.twitter.com/JZk9Pyq7JO
— RSBN 🇺🇸 (@RSBNetwork) July 25, 2025
John Swinney: “Cancel Trump’s visit!”
Also John Swinney: “Here’s £180,000 for your golf event Donald.”
😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/fKLZU8zNoB
— Agent P (@AgentP22) July 27, 2025
Trump: I’m playing the best golf course in the world, even though I own it. And I look up and see windmills. Windmills should not be allowed pic.twitter.com/UkSzYL3aam
— FactPost (@factpostnews) July 27, 2025
Trump told reporters on the tarmac, “Stop the windmills. You’re ruining your countries.” He also credited Sean Connery with helping him get his Scottish permits. The president says offshore turbines are “driving the whales cr*zy.” Scotland gets 50% of its electricity from wind. Trump’s Aberdeen resort sued to block a nearby wind farm and lost. The dunes were partially destroyed during construction. The resort has never turned a profit.
The White House says Trump’s golf courses are “used for prestigious tournaments and by the most elite players in the sport.” The new course is already selling tee times. The trip includes Marine One, Air Force One, and a full security detail. The helicopters cost $20,000 per hour. The plane costs $200,000 per hour. The taxpayer covers it. Trump plays the course he owns and calls it “the best in the world.”
In 2023, Trump said, “At some point, maybe in my very old age, I’ll go there and do the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen.” That was about building more golf holes in Scotland. He’s 79. He’s back. And he’s doing it.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/27/business/trump-scotland-business-crypto
https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/world/us-news/trump-news/2025/07/26/trump-scotland-golf
https://www.delfos.energy/blog-posts/the-future-of-wind-energy-in-2025
https://www.mackinac.org/blog/2025/wind-and-solar-are-at-odds-with-growth
https://electrek.co/2025/04/08/the-us-wind-industrys-5-year-outlook-is-now-a-total-roller-coaster/
