Trump's Upcoming Working Visit to Scotland Faces Protests and Political Discussions

President Trump is set to arrive in Scotland for a "working visit" on Friday, where he plans to combine personal time with political engagements. Much like during his previous visit in 2018, he should expect significant protests in Scotland, where his mother hails from.

During his stay, Trump is anticipated to check on his golf resorts, including Trump International in Aberdeenshire and Trump Turnberry in Ayrshire. His agenda includes a meeting with Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, who has openly supported Trump’s opponent, and talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer about ongoing U.S. tariffs on British steel.

While the U.S. leader has Scottish heritage, his reception in the country may not be warm. Some Scots see Trump's investments as beneficial, while others criticize his policy decisions during his presidency. Ahead of his visit, the Stop Trump Scotland group is planning various demonstrations to voice their opposition, intending to make their messages visible from the coastline as Trump arrives.

Security considerations have been heightened due to a previous assassination attempt against Trump, prompting a significant police presence. In 2018, over 5,000 officers were deployed for his visit, underlining the logistical challenges associated with his stays in the U.K.

Scottish government officials have stated the importance of engaging with Trump, emphasizing their mission to advocate for Scotland’s interests in light of key global issues like trade, which directly affects significant sectors such as Scotch whisky. While details regarding Trump’s discussions with Starmer have been kept vague due to the private nature of the visit, the negotiations around steel tariffs are expected to be a critical part of their conversation.

Notably, this visit precedes another official state visit planned for September 17, where Trump is expected to meet with King Charles III, an invitation facilitated by Starmer during his visit to the White House.