Trump's Scotland Visit Merges Politics and Family Business

Trump’s Deep Connection to Scotland and His Golf Empire

Donald Trump has always had a special place in his heart for the rugged, windswept landscapes of Scotland. The sand dunes along the northeastern coast, with their dramatic views of the North Sea, have long been a favorite spot for the former president. In 2023, during his civil fraud trial in New York, Trump spoke about his plans to develop a property in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, saying, “At some point, maybe in my very old age, I’ll go there and do the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen.”

Now, at 79 and back in the White House, Trump is making good on that promise. He recently traveled to Scotland, where his family’s business is set to open a new golf course on August 13. This course is being marketed as “the greatest 36 holes in golf.” During his trip, Trump met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, likely at one of his properties. The visit also included a stop at another Trump course near Turnberry, around 200 miles away on Scotland’s southwest coast.

This presidential trip isn’t just about politics—it's also a chance for Trump to showcase his golf empire. With a large entourage of advisers, White House staff, Secret Service agents, and reporters, the trip highlights how deeply intertwined Trump’s personal business interests are with his role as a leader.

The Business Side of the Trip

The White House has dismissed concerns about potential conflicts of interest, arguing that Trump’s business success before entering politics was a key factor in his appeal to voters. A spokesperson, Taylor Rogers, called the trip a “working trip” but also emphasized that Trump has built world-class golf courses that are used for prestigious tournaments and by elite players.

Trump’s new course is already selling tee times, and it’s clear that the president sees this as an opportunity to promote his brand. However, the cost of such trips is staggering. Marine One, the helicopter used for presidential travel, costs between $16,700 and $20,000 per hour. Air Force One, the iconic Boeing 747, can cost up to $200,000 per hour to operate. These expenses don’t include the military cargo planes that fly ahead of the president to transport his vehicles and other equipment.

Ethical Concerns and Legal Challenges

The close relationship between Trump’s administration and his business ventures has raised ethical concerns. Jordan Libowitz, vice president of the ethics watchdog organization Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said, “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. However, the second-term ethics framework allows for more flexibility. Trump’s assets are now managed by his children, who handle day-to-day operations while he serves as president. The company has continued to sign lucrative foreign agreements, including plans to build luxury developments in Qatar and Vietnam, even as the administration negotiates tariffs with those countries.

Trump’s existing course in Aberdeenshire has faced its own challenges. It has struggled to turn a profit and was found to have partially destroyed nearby sand dunes. The company also lost a legal battle over a nearby wind farm, which led to the Scottish government being awarded legal costs.

In a separate case, Trump was ordered to pay $355 million in fines after being found liable in a civil fraud case. That judgment has grown to over $510 million with interest as he appeals.

A Long History of Presidents on the Golf Course

Trump isn’t the first U.S. president to play golf in Scotland. Dwight D. Eisenhower played at Turnberry in 1959, and George W. Bush visited Gleneagles in 2005. Many historians trace the origins of golf to Scotland, with the first known references dating back to the Middle Ages.

Several U.S. presidents have been avid golfers. William Howard Taft was the first to play regularly, while Woodrow Wilson played nearly every day. Warren G. Harding trained his dog to fetch golf balls, and Lyndon B. Johnson’s swing was often compared to a man trying to kill a rattlesnake.

Bill Clinton restored a putting green on the White House lawn, and Barack Obama had a golf simulator installed. Trump upgraded the simulator during his first term. John F. Kennedy, though less public about his love for the game, was known to play at Cypress Point Golf Club.

Trump’s Golf Skills

According to Mike Trostel, director of the World Golf Hall of Fame, Trump has a handicap index of 2.5, which is better than Joe Biden’s 6.7 and Obama’s 13. While Trump plays without an official handicap, he is considered a championship-level golfer. Trostel noted that between Trump and Kennedy, they are two of the most skilled golfers to have served in the White House.