Trump Heads to Scotland for Trade Talks and Golf, Meets Starmer, Swinney

President Donald Trump is heading to Scotland on Friday for a five-day trip that mixes business, politics, and golf. The itinerary includes stops at his luxury resorts in Turnberry and Aberdeen, as well as scheduled meetings with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney.

While the exact timing of those meetings remains unclear, one thing that’s likely high on the agenda is the U.S.-U.K. “Economic Prosperity Deal,” a trade agreement inked last month that slashed tariffs and signaled warmer commercial ties between the two allies.

According to the British government, the deal already lowered U.S. car import tariffs from 27.5% to 10%, potentially saving manufacturers hundreds of millions of dollars and protecting jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. Aerospace industries have also benefited, with tariffs on engines and aircraft parts lifted — a win for companies like Rolls Royce.

But despite the celebratory headlines, sources say the June deal was more of a handshake than a full contract. Alan Mendoza from the Henry Jackson Society described it as a “head of terms,” essentially an outline of intentions. Now, the goal is to nail down the details.

Trump and Starmer are expected to hash out specifics and potentially expand the scope of the agreement. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the pair will meet to “refine” the deal, though the administration didn’t offer details on what will be discussed.

Starmer, who has made a point of building rapport with Trump, praised their working relationship in a recent BBC interview, calling it “in the national interest” despite their political differences.

“I do understand what anchors the president, what he really cares about,” he said.

Beyond trade talks, the visit carries personal significance for Trump. His mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, was born in Scotland, and he’s frequently referenced his family roots during visits. In 2023, he broke ground on a new 18-hole course at his Aberdeen resort, naming it the MacLeod Course in her honor.

Trump is also expected to fit in at least one round of golf — something of a tradition during his visits to the U.K. Whether Starmer will join him on the greens remains unconfirmed, and the British government has stayed tight-lipped about the possibility.

As Trump’s second official visit to the U.K. during this term, Scotland is rolling out the red carpet — and ramping up security. But for Trump, the trip is just as much about keeping deals in motion as it is about teeing off on familiar turf.

With input from Fox News