Latest news with #SecretService
San Francisco Chronicle
2 hours ago
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
The Latest: Trump leaves for Scotland to inaugurate a new golf course in Aberdeenshire
President Donald Trump will travel to Scotland on Friday as his family's business prepares for the Aug. 13 opening of a new golf course in Aberdeenshire billed as 'the greatest 36 holes in golf.' While there, Trump will talk trade with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a meeting he's said will take place at 'probably one of my properties.' Using this week's presidential overseas trip — with its sprawling entourage of advisers, White House and support staffers, Secret Service agents and reporters — to help show off Trump-brand golf destinations demonstrates how the president has become increasingly comfortable intermingling his governing pursuits with promoting his family's business interests. Here's the latest: Trump has lifted off for Scotland Air Force One left Friday morning for a flight expected to take around seven hours. Trump is scheduled to land near Glasgow on Friday evening. He's spending the weekend at his family's golf course near Turnberry, then will meet with British Prime Minister Kier Starmer before heading to another of his courses near Abderdeen. The Trump Organization is opening a second golf course near Aberdeen next month. Trump is set to return to Washington on Tuesday. The president says he hasn't thought about pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell Trump said he's allowed to do it but hasn't considered granting a pardon to the imprisoned former girlfriend of financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump added that he 'certainly can't talk about pardons now.' The Justice Department's No. 2 official met with Maxwell on Thursday as the department promises transparency following backlash over an earlier refusal to release more records in the Epstein investigation. Trump said he had good meeting with Powell and predicts he will lower interest rates The president said his meeting with the Fed chair Jerome Powell on Thursday was 'good,' despite their bickering in front of cameras over the cost of the of renovations to the Fed's headquarters. 'He said 'Congratulations. The country is doing really well,'' Trump said. 'And I got that to mean that I think he's going to start recommending lower rates.' Trump says 50/50 chance of a trade deal with the EU The president didn't put comfortable odds on the U.S. reaching a trade framework with the European Union before new tariff rates going into effect Aug. 1. 'I would say that we have a 50/50 chance, maybe less than that,' Trump said before departing for a trip to Scotland. The president said the deal would have to 'buy down' the currently scheduled tariff rate of 30% on the bloc of 27 member states. Trump said he had thought the odds of reaching a framework with Japan was 25%, but the U.S. and Japan announced an agreement this week. Trump says Hamas doesn't want to make a deal and is 'going to be hunted down' Trump told reporters Friday that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is unlikely as Hamas loses leverage in talks. With relatively few hostages left, Trump, said, Hamas doesn't 'have any bargaining chips' left to negotiate. 'Hamas didn't want to make a deal,' Trump said. Asked about next steps, he said: 'I think what's going to happen is they're going to be hunted down.' Trumps' special envoy Steve Witkoff said Thursday the U.S. was cutting short Gaza ceasefire talks after Hamas' response showed a 'lack of desire' to reach a truce. The Federal Reserve says it's 'grateful' Trump wants to finish renovations Trump has critiqued the cost of the Fed's $2.5 billion renovation project, but the U.S. central bank portrayed his Thursday trip to the construction site in diplomatically positive terms. 'We are grateful for the President's encouragement to complete this important project,' the Fed said in a statement. 'We remain committed to continuing to be careful stewards of these resources as we see the project through to completion.' Trump said the project needs to be completed and even offered his experience as a real estate developer to help, a marked change of tone after a pressure campaign over the cost of the renovations. Still, he wants the Fed to cut rates more aggressively and has attacked Fed chairman Jerome Powell on social media. Lawyers arrive at courthouse for second day of questioning of Ghislaine Maxwell Justice Department officials and lawyers for Jeffrey Epstein's former girlfriend have arrived at a federal courthouse in Florida. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is personally interviewing Maxwell at the courthouse in Tallahassee about Epstein's crimes as the Justice Department looks to cast itself as transparent following backlash over its refusal to release additional records from the sex trafficking investigation. The Justice Department has said it intends to share details about what Maxwell said at a later time. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of helping facilitate Epstein's sex abuse of underage victims and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. She remains behind bars in Florida. Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez becomes first Democrat to enter 2026 governor race Rodriguez, a former emergency room nurse, announced Friday that she's running for governor, the day after the incumbent decided against seeking a third term. Rodriguez is the first Democrat to officially enter the race. Several others are considering running after Gov. Tony Evers said Thursday he was bowing out. A second Democrat, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, said in a statement Friday that in the weeks ahead he 'will be taking steps toward entering the race for Governor. The stakes are simply too high to sit on the sidelines.' Wisconsin's 2026 governor's race is open with no incumbent running for the first time since 2010. Rodriguez, who almost certainly will face numerous Democratic primary opponents, has vowed to push back against Republican President Trump's administration. Seeing yellow: Massive police presence highly visible ahead of Trump's visit to Scotland It may not be typical golf attire, but one of the most ubiquitous outfits seen on Trump's golf course Friday ahead of his visit was the reflective yellow vest worn by Scottish police. The standard issue garb that's far removed from the traditional Turnberry tartan was highly visible on the dunes, the beaches and the grass as thousands of officers secured the course in advance of protests planned during the president's visit to two of his Scottish golf resorts. Trump was expected to arrive Friday evening to a mix of respect and ridicule. His visit requires a major police operation that will cost Scottish taxpayers millions of pounds as protests are planned over the weekend. The union representing officers is concerned they are already overworked and will be diverted from their normal duties. 'South Park' co-creator jokes he's 'terribly sorry' over premiere that drew White House anger 'South Park' co-creator Trey Parker had the briefest of responses Thursday to anger from the White House over the season premiere of the animated institution, which showed a naked President Trump in bed with Satan. 'We're terribly sorry,' Parker said, followed by a long, deadpan-comic stare. Parker was asked for his reaction to the fracas as he sat on the stage at San Diego's Comic-Con International at the beginning of a Comedy Central animation panel that also included his 'South Park' partner Matt Stone, 'Beavis and Butt-Head' creator Mike Judge, and actor Andy Samberg, who co-created the animated 'Digman!' Earlier in the day, the White House issued a statement on the 27th season premiere, which aired Wednesday night. 'This show hasn't been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention,' White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in the statement. 'President Trump has delivered on more promises in just six months than any other president in our country's history — and no fourth-rate show can derail President Trump's hot streak.' 8 a.m. ET — Trump is set to depart for Scotland 3:20 p.m. ET — Trump arrives in Scotland
Hamilton Spectator
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
The Latest: Trump leaves for Scotland to inaugurate a new golf course in Aberdeenshire
President Donald Trump will travel to Scotland on Friday as his family's business prepares for the Aug. 13 opening of a new golf course in Aberdeenshire billed as 'the greatest 36 holes in golf.' While there, Trump will talk trade with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a meeting he's said will take place at 'probably one of my properties.' Using this week's presidential overseas trip — with its sprawling entourage of advisers, White House and support staffers, Secret Service agents and reporters — to help show off Trump-brand golf destinations demonstrates how the president has become increasingly comfortable intermingling his governing pursuits with promoting his family's business interests. Here's the latest: Seeing yellow: Massive police presence highly visible ahead of Trump's visit to Scotland It may not be typical golf attire, but one of the most ubiquitous outfits seen on Trump's golf course Friday ahead of his visit was the reflective yellow vest worn by Scottish police. The standard issue garb that's far removed from the traditional Turnberry tartan was highly visible on the dunes, the beaches and the grass as thousands of officers secured the course in advance of protests planned during the president's visit to two of his Scottish golf resorts . Trump was expected to arrive Friday evening to a mix of respect and ridicule. His visit requires a major police operation that will cost Scottish taxpayers millions of pounds as protests are planned over the weekend. The union representing officers is concerned they are already overworked and will be diverted from their normal duties. ▶ Read more about the security around Trump's Scotland visit 'South Park' co-creator jokes he's 'terribly sorry' over premiere that drew White House anger 'South Park' co-creator Trey Parker had the briefest of responses Thursday to anger from the White House over the season premiere of the animated institution, which showed a naked President Trump in bed with Satan. 'We're terribly sorry,' Parker said, followed by a long, deadpan-comic stare. Parker was asked for his reaction to the fracas as he sat on the stage at San Diego's Comic-Con International at the beginning of a Comedy Central animation panel that also included his 'South Park' partner Matt Stone, 'Beavis and Butt-Head' creator Mike Judge, and actor Andy Samberg, who co-created the animated 'Digman!' Earlier in the day, the White House issued a statement on the 27th season premiere, which aired Wednesday night. 'This show hasn't been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention,' White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in the statement. 'President Trump has delivered on more promises in just six months than any other president in our country's history — and no fourth-rate show can derail President Trump's hot streak.' ▶ Read more about Trump and 'South Park' Trump's schedule, according to the White House 8 a.m. ET — Trump is set to depart for Scotland 3:20 p.m. ET — Trump arrives in Scotland Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
The Latest: Trump leaves for Scotland to inaugurate a new golf course in Aberdeenshire
President Donald Trump will travel to Scotland on Friday as his family's business prepares for the Aug. 13 opening of a new golf course in Aberdeenshire billed as 'the greatest 36 holes in golf.' While there, Trump will talk trade with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a meeting he's said will take place at 'probably one of my properties.' Using this week's presidential overseas trip — with its sprawling entourage of advisers, White House and support staffers, Secret Service agents and reporters — to help show off Trump-brand golf destinations demonstrates how the president has become increasingly comfortable intermingling his governing pursuits with promoting his family's business interests. Here's the latest: Seeing yellow: Massive police presence highly visible ahead of Trump's visit to Scotland It may not be typical golf attire, but one of the most ubiquitous outfits seen on Trump's golf course Friday ahead of his visit was the reflective yellow vest worn by Scottish police. The standard issue garb that's far removed from the traditional Turnberry tartan was highly visible on the dunes, the beaches and the grass as thousands of officers secured the course in advance of protests planned during the president's visit to two of his Scottish golf resorts. Trump was expected to arrive Friday evening to a mix of respect and ridicule. His visit requires a major police operation that will cost Scottish taxpayers millions of pounds as protests are planned over the weekend. The union representing officers is concerned they are already overworked and will be diverted from their normal duties. 'South Park' co-creator jokes he's 'terribly sorry' over premiere that drew White House anger 'South Park' co-creator Trey Parker had the briefest of responses Thursday to anger from the White House over the season premiere of the animated institution, which showed a naked President Trump in bed with Satan. 'We're terribly sorry,' Parker said, followed by a long, deadpan-comic stare. Parker was asked for his reaction to the fracas as he sat on the stage at San Diego's Comic-Con International at the beginning of a Comedy Central animation panel that also included his 'South Park' partner Matt Stone, 'Beavis and Butt-Head' creator Mike Judge, and actor Andy Samberg, who co-created the animated 'Digman!' Earlier in the day, the White House issued a statement on the 27th season premiere, which aired Wednesday night. 'This show hasn't been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention,' White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in the statement. 'President Trump has delivered on more promises in just six months than any other president in our country's history — and no fourth-rate show can derail President Trump's hot streak.' Trump's schedule, according to the White House 8 a.m. ET — Trump is set to depart for Scotland 3:20 p.m. ET — Trump arrives in Scotland
Associated Press
4 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Live updates: Trump leaves for Scotland to inaugurate a new golf course in Aberdeenshire
President Donald Trump will travel to Scotland on Friday as his family's business prepares for the Aug. 13 opening of a new golf course in Aberdeenshire billed as 'the greatest 36 holes in golf.' While there, Trump will talk trade with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a meeting he's said will take place at 'probably one of my properties.' Using this week's presidential overseas trip — with its sprawling entourage of advisers, White House and support staffers, Secret Service agents and reporters — to help show off Trump-brand golf destinations demonstrates how the president has become increasingly comfortable intermingling his governing pursuits with promoting his family's business interests.
9 hours ago
- Business
Trump's trip to Scotland as his new golf course opens blurs politics and the family's business
EDINBURGH, Scotland -- Lashed by cold winds and overlooking choppy, steel-gray North Sea waters, the breathtaking sand dunes of Scotland's northeastern coast rank among Donald Trump 's favorite spots on earth. 'At some point, maybe in my very old age, I'll go there and do the most beautiful thing you've ever seen," Trump said in 2023, during his New York civil fraud trial, talking about his plans for future developments on his property in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire. At 79 and back in the White House, Trump is making at least part of that pledge a reality, traveling to Scotland on Friday as his family's business prepares for the Aug. 13 opening of a new course it is billing as 'the greatest 36 holes in golf." While there, Trump will talk trade with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a meeting he's said will take place at 'probably one of my properties.' The Aberdeen area is already home to another of his courses, Trump International Scotland, and the president also plans to visit a Trump course near Turnberry, around 200 miles (320 kilometers) away on Scotland's southwest coast. Using this week's presidential overseas trip — with its sprawling entourage of advisers, White House and support staffers, Secret Service agents and reporters — to help show off Trump-brand golf destinations demonstrates how the president has become increasingly comfortable intermingling his governing pursuits with promoting his family's business interests. The White House has brushed off questions about potential conflicts of interest, arguing that Trump's business success before he entered politics was a key to his appeal with voters. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers called the Scotland swing a 'working trip." But she added that Trump 'has built the best and most beautiful world-class golf courses anywhere in the world, which is why they continue to be used for prestigious tournaments and by the most elite players in the sport.' Trump went to Scotland to play his Turnberry course during his first term in 2018 while en route to a meeting in Finland with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This time, his trip comes as the new golf course is about to debut and is already actively selling tee times. It's not cheap for the president to travel. The helicopters that operate as Marine One when the president is on board cost between $16,700 and nearly $20,000 per hour to operate, according to Pentagon data for fiscal year 2022. The modified Boeing 747s that serve as the iconic Air Force One cost about $200,000 per hour to fly. That's not to mention the military cargo aircraft that fly ahead of the president with his armored limousines and other official vehicles. 'We're at a point where the Trump administration is so intertwined with the Trump business that he doesn't seem to see much of a difference,' said Jordan Libowitz, vice president and spokesperson for the ethics watchdog organization Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. 'It's as if the White House were almost an arm of the Trump Organization.' During his first term, the Trump Organization signed an ethics pact barring deals with foreign companies. An ethics frameworks for Trump's second term allows them. Trump's assets are in a trust run by his children, who are also handling day-to-day operations of the Trump Organization while he's in the White House. The company has inked many recent, lucrative foreign agreements involving golf courses, including plans to build luxury developments in Qatar and Vietnam, even as the administration continues to negotiate tariff rates for those countries and around the globe. Trump's existing Aberdeenshire course, meanwhile, has a history nearly as rocky as the area's cliffs. It has struggled to turn a profit and was found by Scottish conservation authorities to have partially destroyed nearby sand dunes. Trump's company also was ordered to cover the Scottish government's legal costs after the course unsuccessfully sued over the construction of a nearby wind farm, arguing in part that it hurt golfers' views. And the development was part of the massive civil case, which accused Trump of inflating his wealth to secure loans and make business deals. Trump's company's initial plans for his first Aberdeen-area course called for a luxury hotel and nearby housing. His company received permission to build 500 houses, but Trump suggested he'd be allowed to build five times as many and borrowed against their values without actually building any homes, the lawsuit alleged. Judge Arthur Engoron found Trump liable last year and ordered his company to pay $355 million in fines — a judgment that has grown with interest to more than $510 million as Trump appeals. Family financial interests aside, Trump isn't the first sitting U.S. president to golf in Scotland. That was Dwight D. Eisenhower, who played in Turnberry in 1959. George W. Bush visited the famed course at Gleneagles in 2005 but didn't play. Many historians trace golf back to Scotland in the Middle Ages. Among the earliest known references to game was a Scottish Parliament resolution in 1457 that tried to ban it, along with soccer, because of fears both were distracting men from practicing archery — then considered vital to national defense. The first U.S. president to golf regularly was William Howard Taft, who served from 1909 to 1913 and ignored warnings from his predecessor, Teddy Roosevelt, that playing too much would make it seem like he wasn't working hard enough. Woodrow Wilson played nearly every day but Sundays, and even had the Secret Service paint his golf balls red so he could practice in the snow, said Mike Trostel, director of the World Golf Hall of Fame. Warren G. Harding trained his dog Laddie Boy to fetch golf balls while he practiced. Lyndon B. Johnson's swing was sometimes described as looking like a man trying to kill a rattlesnake. Bill Clinton, who liked to joke that he was the only president whose game improved while in office, restored a putting green on the White House's South Lawn. It was originally installed by Eisenhower, who was such an avid user that he left cleat marks in the wooden floors of the Oval Office by the door leading out to it. Bush stopped golfing after the start of the Iraq war in 2003 because of the optics. Barack Obama had a golf simulator installed in the White House that Trump upgraded during his first term, Trostel said. John F. Kennedy largely hid his love of the game as president, but he played on Harvard's golf team and nearly made a hole-in-one at California's renowned Cypress Point Golf Club just before the 1960 Democratic National Convention. 'I'd say, between President Trump and President John F. Kennedy, those are two of the most skilled golfers we've had in the White House,' Trostel said. Trump, Trostel said, has a handicap index — how many strokes above par a golfer is likely to score — of a very strong 2.5, though he's not posted an official round with the U.S. Golf Association since 2021. That's better than Joe Biden's handicap of 6.7, which also might be outdated, and Obama, who once described his own handicap as an 'honest 13.' The White House described Trump as a championship-level golfer but said he plays with no handicap.
