Trump Heads to Scotland for Golf and Talks Amid Epstein Scandal Pressure

U.S. President Donald Trump is heading to Scotland for a visit that combines both personal and official business, at a time when his second-term administration faces renewed backlash over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump plans to stay at his Turnberry resort and will meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday. He is also scheduled to open a second 18-hole golf course at his Aberdeen property, named after his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was born in Scotland.

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The White House calls the trip a “working visit,” focused on strengthening U.S.-U.K. relations. Trade is a key topic, including discussions on expanding tariff deals struck earlier this year. Trump and Starmer are also expected to address global concerns like Russia’s war in Ukraine and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Starmer has been vocal about the need for aid to reach the Palestinian enclave, where more than 100 people have reportedly died from starvation.

British officials reportedly appreciate Trump’s recent shift in tone on Ukraine, signaling openness to stronger transatlantic cooperation. Trump will also meet with Scottish leader John Swinney, despite Swinney’s open support for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.

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Although the visit is partly personal, it’s politically significant. Trump has emphasized strong ties with the UK and is returning to Britain again in September for a rare second state visit hosted by King Charles. The trip comes as polls show Trump remains deeply unpopular in Scotland, where only 18% view him favorably. Protests are expected in Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

Trump’s Scotland trip is overshadowed by a growing political storm over his alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender. The controversy has reignited after questions resurfaced regarding the handling of Epstein’s case, his 2019 death in prison, and potential connections to powerful individuals  including Trump.

The White House is struggling to contain the political fallout, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt saying the focus of Trump’s travel is “policy-driven,” despite the Epstein issue dominating media attention. According to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, a majority of Americans  including Republicans  believe the government is hiding information related to Epstein’s death. This perception has caused cracks even among Trump’s core supporters in the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) base.

Some White House insiders admit they’re hoping the foreign visit distracts from the scandal and shifts media focus back to diplomacy and economic matters. However, critics argue that Trump has not been transparent about his past relationship with Epstein, and that public distrust is growing.

In Scotland, where Trump has long owned property and enjoys personal ties, the reception is expected to be mixed at best. A March Ipsos poll revealed that around 70% of Scots hold an unfavorable view of the U.S. president. Protests are planned for Saturday in key cities, including Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

The situation adds pressure to Trump’s wider efforts to repair political damage and solidify international partnerships. With upcoming elections and international meetings on the horizon, how he handles both the Epstein scandal and foreign diplomacy could shape the remaining years of his presidency  and his legacy.