Trump Arrives in Scotland Amid Epstein Questions and EU Trade Push

U.S. President Donald Trump landed in Scotland on Friday, seeking to advance a major trade deal with the European Union and strengthen ties with British leadership — even as renewed scrutiny over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continues to shadow his second term.

Upon arrival, Trump confirmed he would visit his golf resorts in Turnberry and Aberdeen and hold bilateral meetings with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He praised von der Leyen as a “highly respected woman” and reiterated there was a “50-50” chance of clinching what could become the administration’s largest trade agreement to date.

“There are maybe 20 sticking points,” Trump admitted regarding negotiations with Brussels, though he emphasized progress and called the UK deal already secured “great for both sides.” Talks with von der Leyen are scheduled for Sunday.

EU diplomats said the deal under discussion could introduce a 15% tariff on European goods — mirroring a recent Japan framework — which is significantly lower than the 30% tariff Trump has threatened to impose by August 1. Trump’s broader tariff campaign, including a 10% baseline tariff enacted in April, has drawn concern from economists who warn of inflationary risks and global trade instability.

Back home, Trump continues to face a political firestorm over the Epstein case. Reporters in Scotland pressed him on his administration’s handling of investigative records surrounding Epstein’s 2019 death in federal custody.

“You make it a very big thing over something that’s not a big thing,” Trump responded, deflecting blame and urging attention toward others with connections to Epstein, including former President Bill Clinton and unnamed finance executives. “Don’t talk about Trump,” he added, claiming the focus should be on his administration’s achievements.

The controversy has caused discomfort even among some core Trump supporters, with a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showing majorities of Americans — including Republicans — suspect the government is withholding key details on the Epstein case. White House aides hope Trump’s foreign trip will help quell the domestic backlash.

Trump’s visit also includes a stay at his Turnberry golf course and the opening of a second 18-hole course in Aberdeen, named in honor of his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who emigrated from Scotland to the U.S.

Despite warm ties with Starmer, the trip may not be met with enthusiasm by the Scottish public. A March Ipsos poll found 70% of Scots hold an unfavorable view of Trump, with only 18% viewing him positively. Protests are planned in Aberdeen and Edinburgh on Saturday.

Trump will meet with Scottish First Minister John Swinney, who had backed Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. election. The visit offers an opportunity for Trump and Starmer to deepen their working relationship on global issues, including the war in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Starmer on Thursday called for an emergency call with French and German leaders, urging Israel to allow aid into Gaza and condemning the “unspeakable and indefensible” suffering there. Gaza’s health authorities report over 100 starvation-related deaths, with supplies stalled at the border despite growing famine.

While Trump and Starmer previously agreed to a framework trade deal in May — covering UK aerospace and car sectors but leaving steel tariffs in place — Starmer is expected to push for progress on those steel duties during this visit. However, sources close to the talks caution that no breakthrough is expected.

Trump, who last visited Scotland during his 2016 campaign, will return to the UK for a formal state visit from September 17–19, hosted by King Charles — making him the first modern world leader to receive two British state visits. His first was under Queen Elizabeth II in 2019.