Trump Scotland Trip headlines this week as the president visits his family’s luxury golf resorts in the United Kingdom. This midsummer excursion is not labeled a vacation by Trump’s team. Instead, it’s described as a “working trip.”
Trump is staying near Turnberry and Aberdeen, where he owns two golf courses and plans to open a third. Over the weekend, Trump played golf at Turnberry. On Tuesday, he will help launch the new course with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Meanwhile, the president is holding meetings with global leaders. He spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about trade. Additionally, he met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss economic partnerships between the U.S. and U.K. Although previous presidents had summer retreats, Trump’s international trip stands out for one major reason.
Unlike presidents like Lincoln or Reagan, Trump promotes personal business interests during his presidency. President Eisenhower once played at Turnberry in 1959 after a diplomatic trip. But he never owned the course. Trump, however, has built his itinerary around promoting family properties abroad.
As a result, critics claim he is mixing official duties with private business ventures. Leonard Steinhorn, a professor at American University, called it a calculated publicity move. “You have to see this as Trump monetizing his presidency,” Steinhorn said.
“He’s using the trip as a PR tool to promote his golf courses.” Furthermore, Trump’s family continues expanding its international business footprint. The third Scottish course will open on August 13. Trump has also pushed into digital investments like cryptocurrencies during his second term. Ethics experts have raised concerns about personal profit tied to public office.
Despite that, Trump appears unfazed by criticism and focused on legacy building. Clearly, the Trump Scotland Trip signals a bold mix of diplomacy, media exposure, and business promotion.
With more events and interviews planned, the president remains a headline-making force even miles from Washington. In short, the Trump Scotland Trip has become more than a getaway it’s a calculated move blending politics and profit.
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