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Forbes
30 minutes ago
- Business
- Forbes
Donald Trump's Son Says Scottish Golf Course ‘Deserves' The Open
Eric Trump on Wednesday said he thinks his father, President Donald Trump, 'deserves' to have his Scottish golf course Turnberry host The Open Championship and said he thinks politics are the only reason it hasn't happened. President Donald Trump reacts as he plays golf at the Trump Turnberry Golf Course on July 27, 2025. AFP via Getty Images Eric Trump told BBC Sport "there's no one that has been better for the game of golf" than his father and both the course and the president "deserve" to have the storied tournament at Turnberry. He said thinks Trump's passion for the game "will be rewarded" with another chance to host The Open, though it won't be until he is no longer president. The course, which Trump bought in 2014 for some $60 million and renamed Trump Turnberry, is famous for its history of hosting Open Championships, but hasn't been the site of the tournament since 2009. The head of The R&A, the global governing body of golf, in 2021 said The Open would not be held at Turnberry again while Trump is associated with the venue, but last year a new CEO said the organization was "doing some feasibility work" around a potential return. Mark Darbon, chief of the R&A, has said work needs to be done on nearby road, rail and accommodation infrastructure before Turnberry could host The Open again, but Trump said Wednesday, "You could host the Open Championship on that course tomorrow' calling it 'impeccable." Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We're launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day's headlines. Text 'Alerts' to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here : "I think the elephant in the room was, frankly, politics, for a very long time," Eric Trump said when asked why Turnberry had been snubbed as host for The Open in recent years. Key Background Trump visited Scotland last week to open a new golf course in Aberdeenshire, on Scotland's east coast. While there, he hosted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Turnberry, where they discussed tariffs and the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. Starmer called the venue "absolutely magnificent both inside and out." Turnberry, which is more than 100 years old, is one of 10 courses on the rotation to host the Open Championship. Turnberry's first time hosting The Open ended in a famous battle between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus in 1977 that became known as "Duel in the Sun." It also hosted the event in 1986, 1996 and 2009. Turberry was on track to host in 2020 but ultimately wasn't chosen after Trump announced his bid for the presidency. $200 million. That's how much the Trump organization has spent to renovate the property, but Trump Turnberry has reportedly struggled to turn a profit since his company purchased it in 2014. Turnberry lost $1.7 million in the 2023 fiscal year. But Eric Trump on Wednesday said: "Here's the good news. We don't give a damn, right. This is our Mona Lisa. If we spent $100 million and never got a penny back, it doesn't make any difference. We wanted to do something incredible." Tangent When Trump stays at his own properties, the government pays those properties to house members of the president's security detail and White House staff. In 2018, Trump stayed at Turnberry for two nights during a visit to Scotland and played two rounds of golf before departing for the Helsinki Summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. That trip cost taxpayers almost $1 million, according to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, including $68,000 in expenses paid directly to Trump Turnberry. The expenditures, paid for by the State Department, were labeled "hotel rooms." The State Department spent another $13,000 at Turnberry between November 2016 through May 2017, ABC News reported. Further Reading Forbes Trump Has Spent About One-Third Of His Presidency Visiting His Own Properties By Dan Alexander Forbes What We Know About 'Golf Force One'—Latest Addition To Trump's Presidential Fleet By Conor Murray Forbes Trump Golfs In Scotland Amid Protests And Epstein Files Backlash (Photos) By Antonio Pequeño IV
The Sun
3 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Donald Trump leaves Scotland in Air Force One after star-studded golf match & private talks with John Swinney
DONALD Trump waves one last goodbye to Scotland as he boarded his Air Force One back to Washington D,C. after officially opening his new golf course in Aberdeenshire. Last night he flew from Turnberry to the North East and hosted a private dinner with dignitaries including the Prime Minister, First Minister, and high profile business people. 3 3 Mr Trump and Sir Keir landed at Menie aboard Marine One, the president's helicopter, which was seen circling the new course before it touched down on Monday evening. Before teeing off at Trump International, the US President met with John Swinney for a private one-to-one. It was the first time the pair have met since they clashed in November last year when the SNP leader called on US voters to back his Democratic rival Kamala Harris in the US Presidential election - leading his UK-based business to slam the endorsement as an 'insult'. The President opened the 'new course' at Trump International in Menie, just north of Aberdeen, at a 'grand opening' ceremony shortly before 11am. He thanked his son Eric, who he said had "worked so hard" on creating the New Course at the resort. Trump International's 'new course' is the second at the venue since the newly named 'old course' opened in 2012. The new 18 holes measures 7,589 yards - with Trump International now self-styled as the 'greatest 36 holes in golf'. Mr Trump made a short speech on the first tee of the course before playing a round. It comes after Mr Trump yesterday hosted an 80-minute televised press conference with the Prime Minister after meeting with Sir Keir Starmer at his other golf course at Turnberry, Ayrshire. In it, he blasted wind power - slamming wind turbines as 'ugly monsters' - and urged more drilling in the North Sea. Furious Trump says he'll CUT Putin's 50-day peace deadline and says he's 'disappointed' after latest ruthless Kyiv blitz And he poured cold water on the possibility of a second independence referendum within the next '50 or 75 years'. He also spoke of his love for Scotland due to his late mother's birthplace being in the Isle of Lewis and said: 'My mother loved Scotland. This is a part of the world I want to see thrive.' The second course at Trump International is expected to be dedicated to the president's mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was born on the Isle of Lewis. 28th Jul 2025, 12:00 By Zoe Phillips Trump supporter at Turnberry The US President has been escorted by an entourage of staff and Secret Service agents throughout his visit. Meanwhile, roads around Turnberry have been blocked off as Sir Keir Starmer arrives. An image taken today shows a Trump supporter on the road into the golf resort with an American flag draped over his shoulder. 28th Jul 2025, 11:40 By Zoe Phillips Trump visit 'potentially boosting tourism' First Minister John Swinney has said that US President Donald Trump's visit to Scotland will potentially boost tourism. In a column for the Daily Record newspaper, Mr Swinney said that "the eyes of the world are upon us" and he was "pleased to meet" Mr Trump. Mr Swinney said that millions of Americans including Mr Trump have ancestral links to Scotland and that the US is "our largest inward investor" and "Scotland's top international export destination". He cited Mr Trump's visit as an opportunity for American citizens to "see the very best that our country has to offer" and that "many of those watching this visit are, of course, future potential tourists and investors in Scotland". The First Minister praised peaceful protests which he said were "essential in a free and democratic society" as well as the policing effort. He wrote: "This deep and enduring friendship between Scotland and the US is one which we must cherish and nurture, to ensure it continues long into the future." 28th Jul 2025, 11:01 By Zoe Phillips Starmer touches down in Scotland Prime Minister Keir Starmer's plane has touched down at Prestwick Airport. The US President will greet Starmer at his Turnberry golf course in Ayrshire. 28th Jul 2025, 11:00 By Zoe Phillips Starmer 'doing good job' Mr Trump previously praised Sir Keir for doing a "very good job" in office ahead of their talks today. The two leaders have built a rapport on the world stage despite their differing political backgrounds. Speaking to journalists on Sunday about his meeting with Sir Keir, Mr Trump said: "We're meeting about a lot of things. We have our trade deal and it's been a great deal. "It's good for us. It's good for them and good for us. I think the UK is very happy, they've been trying for 12 years to get it and they got it, and it's a great trade deal for both, works out very well. "We'll be discussing that. I think we're going to be discussing a lot about Israel. "They're very much involved in terms of wanting something to happen. "He's doing a very good job, by the way." 28th Jul 2025, 10:40 By Jack Aitchison Security remains on alert Good morning from Turnberry where security operations remain on high alert to protect the US President during his visit to Scotland. Marksman teams, patrolling buggies and round-the-clock cop guards have been pictured at the Trump's Ayrshire resort. By US 'has the leverage' The US is the country "with the leverage" to make a difference in the conflict in Gaza, the Business Secretary has suggested. Speaking to BBC Breakfast ahead of Sir Keir Starmer's meeting with Donald Trump on Monday, Jonathan Reynolds said: "Of course, Gaza will be on the agenda today. "(...) The intolerable scenes that we're seeing, the world is seeing, are the backdrop to that. "And of course, the US has itself secured on two occasions ceasefires in the conflict, so they have been actively engaged in it, working with Egypt, the Qataris, and other key partners in the region. "The US is the country I think we'd all recognise with the leverage here to really make a difference on both sides. So their role is fundamentally important." 28th Jul 2025, 10:00 By Jack Aitchison A costly visit... The First Minister John Swinney said the final cost of the policing Donald Trump's private visit to Scotland has yet to be worked out. "Obviously, we're working very closely with Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority about the arrangements for this visit," he told BBC Breakfast. "The security arrangements have gone well since President Trump arrived on Friday, and that's as it should be, because we've got an obligation to make sure that when we have major international visitors, when they come to Scotland, that they are protected and able to go about their activities. Pressed to reveal the bill, Mr Swinney added: "All of that will be worked out and we'll address that with Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority, and we're talking to the United Kingdom government about these questions, but it's important that we have a secure policing operation. "It's also important that members of the public who wish to express their point of view, who want to protest about the visit or about other issues, are able to go about their exercise of their democratic right to protest. That's exactly what they've been able to do since Friday, and that's the way it should be." 28th Jul 2025, 09:45 By Jack Aitchison 'More to do' on UK-US deal There is "more to do" on the UK-US trade deal, the Business Secretary has said, as he indicated it may be unlikely there will be a "resolution" to the talks to announce after Sir Keir Starmer's meeting with Donald Trump on Monday. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Jonathan Reynolds said "it's really important to have the president here" and the visit offers "a chance to do a bit of business". On the UK-US trade relationship, he added, "We were very happy to announce the breakthrough that we had a few months ago in relation to sectors like automotive, aerospace, which are really important to the UK economy. "But we always said it was job saved, but it wasn't job done. There's more to do. "The negotiations have been going on on a daily basis since then. There's a few issues to push a little bit further today. "We won't perhaps have anything to announce a resolution of those talks, but there's some sectors that we still need to resolve, particularly around steel and aluminium, and there's the wider conversation about what the US calls its reciprocal tariffs." 28th Jul 2025, 09:30 By Jack Aitchison Whisky business The First Minister John Swinney has said he will press President Donald Trump to exempt Scotch whisky from US trade tariffs. Mr Swinney said the "uniqueness" of whisky made in Scotland justified the exemption from the 10% tariff applied on UK exports into the US. "Tariffs are very important for the Scottish economy and obviously scotch whisky is a unique product," he told BBC Breakfast. "It can only be produced in Scotland. It's not a product that can be produced in any other part of the world. So there's a uniqueness about that, which I think means there is a case for it to be taken out of the tariffs arrangement that is now in place. "Obviously the trade deal with the United States provides a degree of stability for economic connections with the United States, but the application of tariffs is increasing the costs for the Scotch whisky industry. So one of my objectives will be to make the case to President Trump that Scotch whiskey should be exempted from those tariffs. "It's a product that is uniquely produced in Scotland, and it's a product that is much welcomed and supported within the United States. And I think there's a really good case for exempting Scotch whisky, and this is an opportunity that I have to put that case to President Trump on behalf of the Scotch whisky industry, which is a significant part of the Scottish economy. "And the tariffs just now are costing the industry about £4 million each week, so it's a very significant burden on the industry. It would help growth and development within the Scottish economy if we could secure that deal. And, obviously, I'll be using every opportunity I have to try to put that across to President Trump." 28th Jul 2025, 09:15 By Jack Aitchison Swinney to push Trump on Gaza John Swinney was asked whether his previous claim that Donald Trump's call for the displacement of the Gazan people out of the region amounted to "ethnic cleansing" would have an impact on his meeting with the US president. The First Minister replied: "I think what's important is that we focus on the solutions that are required now, and the absolutely immediate situation is a necessity for a ceasefire and for humanitarian aid to need to flow into Gaza so that the people of Gaza can be saved from the starvation that they face. And that is the blunt human reality of the situation that we face, and there must be an intensification of pressure on Israel. "And I think President Trump is ideally positioned. In fact, he's perhaps uniquely positioned to apply that pressure to Israel to ensure that there is safe passage for humanitarian aid to support the people of Gaza, who face an absolutely unbearable set of circumstances as a consequence of the conflict. "And a key part of that must be the application of a durable ceasefire, the flow of humanitarian aid and the progress towards a two state solution in the Middle East." 28th Jul 2025, 08:59 By Jack Aitchison Time to face the Don Details around Sir Keir Starmer's visit have been revealed. The Prime Minister will engage in "wide-ranging" discussions at Turnberry with the US President on issues including trade and the Israel-Hamas war. Later, the PM and First Minister John Swinney will attend a banquet-style dinner hosted by the US leader in the north-east. It comes ahead of him opening a new 18-hole golf course in honour of his late Scottish mother, Mary Anne Macleod, at Menie, Aberdeenshire, on Tuesday. According to an itinerary published by website Trump will meet Starmer at noon. The pair will then hold "bilateral" discussions at 12:30pm. 28th Jul 2025, 08:47 By Jack Aitchison Swinney to 'promote interests' of Scotland THE First Minister John Swinney has said he will use a planned meeting with Donald Trump to urge the US President to apply pressure on Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. Speaking ahead of discussions with Mr Trump, which are expected to take place in Aberdeenshire, Mr Swinney told BBC Breakfast: "President Trump obviously is very welcome in Scotland. "He brings with him a huge amount of media attention to Scotland, and obviously there's been significant international events have been handled as a consequence of his visit here in Scotland, particularly the trade talks with the European Union. "So what I want to pursue with President Trump is obviously the issues that are of concern to the people of Scotland. "The international situation is causing deep unease and concern and heartbreak within Scotland, particularly the situation in Gaza. "And, obviously, President Trump has got a hugely influential position in trying to resolve the situation in the Middle East. "And also we have domestic priorities around trade and investment and economic connection with the United States, which remains a very significant market for Scotland. "And I want to make sure that I use my role as First Minister of Scotland to protect and to promote the interests of the people of Scotland." 28th Jul 2025, 07:30 By Rachel Guy Rough spot This is the hilarious moment Donald Trump's golf caddy appears to drop his ball into a prime spot before he takes his shot. A video clip has emerged which shows two golf caddies alongside the US President as he drives a golf cart around Turnberry. Hilarious moment Donald Trump's golf caddie appears to subtly drop ball in prime spot before he arrives to take shot The caddies go ahead of the US leaser and one appears to try and secretly place a golf ball on the ground. The President then gets out and claims to have made the shot himself. Trump waves for cameras on the third green at the southeast end of the course before the party moves on. One person who watched the footage circulating on X wrote: "Caddy did that so smoothly. Can only imagine how many times he's done it." 28th Jul 2025, 07:00 By Rachel Guy Trump in a grump Sir Keir Starmer and John Swinney face a difficult 'balancing act' in talks with Donald Trump today - after the US President admitted he was in a grumpy mood. The Prime Minister will fly to Scotland this morning to meet Mr Trump at his Turnberry golf resort in Ayrshire for a 'wide-ranging' summit on issues including trade and the Israel-Hamas war. Later, the PM and the First Minister will attend a banquet-style dinner hosted by the US leader in the north-east, ahead of him opening a new 18-hole golf course in honour of his late Scottish mother, Mary Anne Macleod, at Menie, Aberdeenshire, on Tuesday. But despite striking an EU trade deal, the unpredictable US President admitted he was 'not in a good mood' after a hectic weekend at Turnberry, where he juggled two rounds of golf with family time, presidential business, and a flurry of social media blasts taking aim at rivals back home. A senior SNP insider admitted that today's multiple summits - including an expected one-to-one between Mr Trump and Mr Swinney in the north-east - amounted to 'a difficult balancing act for everyone', with both the PM and FM expected to try to pressure Mr Trump on thorny issues including trade tariffs and reviving stalled Gaza peace talks. Speaking in the first of two press conferences with White House reporters, journalists suggested he seemed in a good mood. But Mr Trump replied: 'I'm actually not in a good mood' - prompting a nervous smile and a raised eyebrow from Ms von der Leyen. The President insisted it was nothing to do with imminent talks with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, and asked why he was in a bad mood and if it was to do with his latest golf round, Mr Trump said: 'No, the golf was beautiful. Golf can never be bad.' 27th Jul 2025, 23:09 By Rachel Guy Ceasefire talks Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to meet US President Donald Trump to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the war in Ukraine. On Monday, Sir Keir will travel to Scotland to meet the president on his golf course at Trump Turnberry, Girvan, Aryshire, where he has been playing golf since Saturday morning. 27th Jul 2025, 22:30 By Rachel Guy Grump Trump Earlier tonight Mr Trump admitted he was 'not in a good mood' after a hectic weekend at Turnberry, where he juggled two rounds of golf with family time, presidential business, and a flurry of social media blasts taking aim at rivals back home. Speaking in the first of two press conferences with White House reporters, journalists suggested he seemed in a good mood. But Mr Trump replied: 'I'm actually not in a good mood' - prompting a nervous smile and a raised eyebrow from Ms von der Leyen. The President insisted it was nothing to do with imminent talks with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, and asked why he was in a bad mood and if it was to do with his latest golf round, Mr Trump said: 'No, the golf was beautiful. Golf can never be bad.' 27th Jul 2025, 22:00 By Rachel Guy Biggest ever Following the meeting, Mr Trump said: "I think it's great that we made a deal today instead of playing games and maybe not making a deal at all ... I think it's the biggest deal ever made." Ms von der Leyen said: "Today's deal creates certainty in uncertain times, it delivers stability and predictability for citizens on both sides of the Atlantic." 27th Jul 2025, 21:30 By Rachel Guy EU-US deal The bloc will face 15% tariffs on most of its goods including cars, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals entering America rather than a 30% levy previously threatened by the US President. President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen said the agreement would provide "certainty in uncertain times" for citizens and businesses, while Mr Trump hailed what he described as the "biggest deal ever made". They also agreed "zero for zero" tariffs on a number of products including aircraft, some agricultural goods and certain chemicals, Ms von der Leyen said. The two leaders met at the US President's Turnberry golf resort in Ayrshire on Sunday to hammer out the broad terms of the agreement, the detail of which is due to be fleshed out in the coming weeks. 27th Jul 2025, 21:00 By Rachel Guy Beach fury An onlooker said: 'Police were shutting off the beach and the park. 'It's one of the country's best and we're in the middle of the school holidays. 'Trump doesn't own it so it feels ridiculous that people who live here are being told to leave. "Loads of people were told to go." 27th Jul 2025, 20:50 By Rachel Guy Locked down Holidaymakers have been ordered to leave a country park boasting one of Scotland's best beaches as police prepared for Donald Trump's visit to his nearby golf course. Visitors were told to vacate Balmedie Country Park as security is beefed up ahead of US president's trip to his neighbouring Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire tomorrow. 27th Jul 2025, 20:32 By Rachel Guy Trump support Despite dire warning of protests at the Ayrshire course, nobody turned up on this blustery, grey morning. The only people on the dunes near the course, other than the world's media, were three hardy Trump fans from Liverpool. Kay English, 38, said she and hubby Tom had travelled from England to show the President that he was loved by people in the UK. The pair wore 'Make England Great Again' caps modelled on the MAGA design and waved a Stars and Stripes. They held up a crude banner mocking Sir Keir Starmer which Trump tried to read from the course. Kay said: "I shouted 'We Love you Trump' because I want him to realise those protests against him are the minority. "I was so happy that he blew me a kiss. "I like him because he stands for the people, unlike our politicians." 27th Jul 2025, 19:50 By Rachel Guy Great for cars Trump said the deal will be "great for cars", and will have a big impact on agriculture. He added that he is "looking at three or four other countries" to strike deals with as well, but that they will most likely include some form of tariffs. 27th Jul 2025, 19:00 By Rachel Guy 'Festival of resistance' A "festival of resistance" is set to be held near Donald Trump's Aberdeenshire golf course ahead of meetings with political leaders tomorrow. The protest at The White Horse Inn, Balmedie, Aberdeen, is close to the Trump International Scotland golf resort and organisers said they object to it receiving £180,000 of public funding for the Nexo Championship next month. Organiser of Stop Trump Scotland, Alena Ivanova, said: "As Donald Trump is expected to arrive at his Aberdeenshire golf course, residents and protesters are gathering in Balmedie from 3pm to continue the festival of resistance. "This message is to Donald Trump but also our elected leaders preparing to meet him: there is no place for Trumpism in Scotland."
BBC News
3 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Trump deserves Open at Turnberry, says son
The son of US President Donald Trump says his father "deserves" to have his Turnberry course host The Open again - but will probably have left the White House by the time it Ayrshire venue, regarded as one of the best in golf, last hosted the world's oldest major championship in 2009, five years before Trump bought the in an exclusive interview, Eric Trump told BBC Sport: "It deserves it, and I truly think that my father's been a guy who also deserves it."He added: "There's no-one that's been better for the game of golf. He's been a cheerleader his entire life, because he loves it and he believes in it."In time that will be rewarded. We'll be given our shot and again it will be a great honour and a great testament to a great legacy when we do." But the 41-year-old, who runs the golf courses in his father's property business, said: "I think chances are by the time an Open comes back around, his time in government will be gone and we'll be back to being a strictly commercial company."President Trump's second term in office will end in early 2029. Host venues for the Open from 2028 have not yet been asked why he felt Turnberry had been overlooked over recent years, Eric Trump said: "I think the elephant in the room was, frankly, politics, for a very long time." 'Turnberry is ready' Earlier this month, the R&A said "big logistical issues" around local infrastructure had to be overcome before Turnberry could be awarded The body's chief executive Mark Darbon said the course remained in its pool of venues - but claimed there was "some work to do on the road, rail and accommodation infrastructure around Turnberry".But Eric Trump disagrees, insisting "the actual infrastructure, the actual plant, the physical location is really second to none, anywhere"."You could host the Open Championship on that course tomorrow," he added. "It's impeccable, and Turnberry is ready for it."He added: "I think any challenge can be worked through and solved with smart people."In 2021, the then head of the R&A implied the course would not be restored to the Open rota while President Trump was associated with the venue, expressing concerns that the focus would be off the this year, Eric Trump met R&A officials at St Andrews to discuss the event returning to Turnberry - but does he think his father's divisive political position remains a concern for the R&A?"No, honestly, I think it's changed a lot to tell you the truth," he said."I think the calculus today is a bit different but no, the political side never came up but I think what the R&A wants is the greatest courses, they're focused on quality." Darbon has acknowledged that UK government officials have also spoken with the R&A about the possibility of Turnberry hosting The Trump hosted the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the course during a visit to Scotland - the country where his mother was born - earlier this week, and called for the championship to return, calling it "the best resort in the world".Asked about the issue at Monday's joint press conference, Starmer said: "The decision on The Open is not a decision for me."Eric Trump insisted he did not know whether his father had spoken directly to the Prime Minister about it, but claimed: "Turnberry will win the Open Championship at the right time, based on the merits of it being the greatest golf course on earth, that's what's going to win the day.""I didn't specifically talk about the championship, but I think he too realises the importance of that asset to the west coast of Scotland and, to frankly, the nation's economy."Trump was speaking after he accompanied his father to the opening of a new 18-hole course at the Aberdeenshire resort the family also owns near Balmedie. The Scottish government has announced that £180,000 of public money is being spent to help bring the DP World Tour's Nexo Championship to the venue next month."It's probably the last links course that will ever be built in the UK, and I truly think we have the best 36 holes anywhere in the world," Eric Trump resort is yet to make a profit, but he added: "Here's the good news. We don't give a damn, right. This is our Mona Lisa. If we spent $100m and never got a penny back, it doesn't make any difference. We wanted to do something incredible."The Trumps' development of the course has also faced criticism from some local residents concerned about the impact on the environment. In response, Eric Trump said: "We've done a hell of a job and for anybody to say that the Trump Organisation hasn't brought economic development to Scotland. I mean, it's freaking laughable, and it wasn't always easy to tell you the truth."Frankly, if we weren't as stubborn as we are, we probably would have thrown in the towel many times over."
USA Today
21 hours ago
- Business
- USA Today
Where are Trump's golf courses? See list after new course opening in Scotland
President Donald Trump capped his trip to Scotland with a ribbon-cutting at his newest 18-hole course. The new course at the Trump International Scotland near Aberdeen is set to officially open Aug. 13, according to the website. Trump's sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., executive vice presidents of the Trump Organization, joined the president at the July 29 course opening event. "We'll play it very quickly, and then I go back to D.C. and we put out fires all over the world," Trump said in his remarks at the event. "We stopped a war. But we've stopped about five wars, so that's much more important than playing golf. As much as I like it, it's much more important." Trump had said ahead of his trip that he was traveling to talk trade, and he did announce a deal with the European Union ahead of his looming tariff deadline. But he traveled with family not only to the resort near Aberdeen, but also to the Trump Turnberry resort on Scotland's west coast. Where else could the president travel to play golf at one of his own courses? More: Viral video showing Trump in Scotland leads to golf cheating accusations Where are the Trump Golf courses located? According to the website, here is where Trump Golf has properties abroad: Where are the Trump National Golf courses in the U.S.? Here is the list, according to the website: Eric, Don Jr. join President Trump at golf course opening in Scotland The president's eldest sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, manage the Trump Organization, and Donald Trump still owns it. Ethics have long been a concern for the potential for the family to profit off the presidency. Eric Trump, his wife Lara Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and his girlfriend Bettina Anderson all flew to Aberdeen from the other side of Scotland with the president and the U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the White House said. "We had an unlimited budget, and we exceeded it," Eric said of the new golf course. "This was his Mona Lisa." Trump's mother Mary Anne MacLeod was born in Scotland and emigrated to New York in the 1930s. The Trump resort near Aberdeen has buildings with her name. Contributing: Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at kcrowley@ Follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky at @
Los Angeles Times
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Trump caps his Scottish visit by opening a new golf course and promoting his family brand
BALMEDIE, Scotland — Golf and Scotland are close to President Trump's heart, and both were in play Tuesday as he opened a new eponymous course in the land of his mother's birth, capping a five-day trip that was largely about promoting his family's luxury properties. Dressed for golf and sporting a white cap that said 'USA,' Trump appeared to be in such a jolly mood that he even lavished rare praise — instead of the usual insults — on the contingent of journalists who had gathered to cover the event. 'Today they're not fake news,' Trump said. 'Today they're wonderful news.' The golf-focused trip gave him a chance to escape Washington's summer heat, but he could not avoid questions about Jeffrey Epstein, the deepening food crisis in Gaza or other issues that trailed him across the Atlantic. The trip itself teed up another example of how the Republican president has used the White House to promote his brand. Trump on Monday expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do more to get food aid to hungry Palestinians. Asked if he agreed with Netanyahu's assertion Sunday that 'there is no policy of starvation in Gaza and there is no starvation in Gaza,' Trump said he didn't know but added, 'I mean, based on television, I would say not particularly because those children look very hungry.' The president also offered a reason why he banished Epstein from his private club in Palm Beach, Florida, years ago, saying it was because the disgraced financier 'stole people that worked for me.' A top White House aide said last week that Epstein was kicked out for being a 'creep.' Flanked by sons Eric and Donald Jr., Trump counted '1-2-3' and wielded a pair of golden scissors to cut a red ribbon marking the ceremonial opening of the new Trump course in the village of Balmedie on Scotland's northern coast. 'This has been an unbelievable development,' Trump said before the ribbon cutting. He thanked Eric, who designed the course, saying his work on the project was 'truly a labor of love for him.' Eric Trump said the course was his father's 'passion project.' Immediately afterward, Trump, Eric Trump and two professional golfers teed off on the first hole with plans to play a full 18 before the president returns to Washington on Tuesday night. Trump rarely allows the news media to watch his golf game, though video journalists and photographers often find him along the course whenever he plays. Trump's shot had a solid sound and soared straight, high and relatively far. Clearly pleased, he turned to the cameras and did an almost half bow. 'He likes the course, ladies and gentlemen' Eric Trump said. Billed as the 'Greatest 36 Holes in Golf,' the Trump International Golf Links, Scotland, is hosting back-to-back weekend tournaments before it begins offering rounds to the public on Aug. 13. Trump worked some official business into the trip by holding talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and reaching a trade framework for tariffs between the U.S. and the European Union's 27 member countries — though scores of key details remain to be settled. But the trip itself was centered around golf, and the presidential visit served to raise the new course's profile. Trump's assets are in a trust and his sons are running the family business while he's in the White House. Any business generated at the course will ultimately enrich the president when he leaves office, though. The new golf course will be the third owned by the Trump Organization in Scotland. Trump bought Turnberry in 2014 and owns another course near Aberdeen that opened in 2012. Trump golfed at Turnberry on Saturday, as protesters took to the streets, and on Sunday before meeting there in the afternoon with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The occasion blended two things dear to Trump: golf and Scotland. His mother, the late Mary Anne MacLeod, was born on the Isle of Lewis on the north coast. 'We love Scotland here. My mother was born here, and she loved it,' Trump said Tuesday. She visited 'religiously once a year' during the summer with his sisters, he said. Perhaps the only mood-buster for Trump are the wind turbines that are part of a nearby windfarm and can be seen from around the new course. Trump, who often speaks about his hatred of windmills, sued in 2013 to block construction of the wind farm but lost the case and was eventually ordered to pay legal costs for filing the lawsuit – a matter that still enrages him more than a decade later. Trump said on a new episode of the New York Post's 'Pod Force One' podcast that the 'ugly windmills' are a 'shame' and are 'really hurting' Scotland. The interview was conducted over the weekend and released Tuesday. 'It kills the birds, ruins the look. They're noisy,' he said, asserting that the value of real estate around them also plummets. 'I think it's a very bad thing. Environmentally, it's horrible.' Weissert and Superville write for the Associated Press. Superville reported from Washington.
