Trump Plays Golf in Scotland as Epstein Rumors Shadows Visit/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump spent Saturday golfing at his Turnberry resort in Scotland while dodging renewed scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The visit sparked protests in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, with demonstrators decrying Trump’s immigration stance and Gaza policies. Trump is also set to meet British and European leaders amid tense trade talks.
Trump in Scotland: Golf, Protests, and Epstein Scandal Quick Looks
- Trump arrived in Scotland on Friday, staying at his Turnberry golf resort
- He kept a low profile Saturday, avoiding public remarks amid Epstein scrutiny
- Protests erupted in Edinburgh, targeting Trump’s visit and policy record
- Trump called Epstein questions “not a big thing”, telling press to focus on “bigger issues”
- He is scheduled to meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Scottish leader John Swinney, and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen
- White House says Trump golfing with Eric Trump and U.S. Ambassador Warren Stephens
- Protesters carried signs with Trump-Epstein images, Gaza slogans, and anti-fascist messages
- New Trump golf course near Aberdeen to be opened, named after his mother
- Trump said the trip was “not about the Open Championship” despite owning Turnberry
- Epstein controversy persists as critics question Trump administration’s handling of records
Deep Look
Trump Retreats to Golf in Scotland as Epstein and Global Criticism Follow
EDINBURGH, Scotland — July 26, 2025
President Donald Trump spent Saturday morning golfing at his Turnberry resort in western Scotland, maintaining a public silence as pressure grows over his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein and as protests intensified across the country.
The visit, part of a five-day UK tour, has seen Trump under fire both for domestic controversies and foreign policy grievances, including his administration’s handling of Gaza, tough immigration enforcement, and its opaque dealings with Epstein-related records.
Trump arrived Friday, landing at Prestwick Airport, and was soon seen on the links alongside his son Eric Trump, U.S. Ambassador to Britain Warren Stephens, and other officials. While no official meetings were held Saturday, enhanced security kept reporters and protesters far from the resort.
“Not a Big Thing”: Trump Brushes Off Epstein Scandal
Facing mounting questions about the Trump administration’s treatment of Epstein-related investigations, the president told reporters to shift focus.
“You make it a very big thing over something that’s not a big thing,” Trump said. “Don’t talk about Trump. Talk about how we’ve had the greatest six months of any presidency.”
While White House sources said that they hope the low-profile retreat will defuse controversy, critics remain vocal, with online and on-the-ground protests refusing to let the issue fade.
Edinburgh & Aberdeen Protests: “We Don’t Roll Out Red Carpets for Fascists”
In Edinburgh, a coalition of activists, human rights supporters, and anti-war demonstrators gathered near the U.S. consulate to voice opposition. Protest signs ranged from “No Treats for Tyrants” to graphics connecting Trump with Epstein and Gaza casualties.
“If we roll out the red carpet to someone who locks asylum seekers in prison camps, we’re complicit,” said Cat Cutmore, 31, an Edinburgh resident and protester.
Demonstrators also targeted Trump’s use of Scottish identity and business expansion. A new Trump golf course near Aberdeen, named after his mother Mary Anne MacLeod, is set to open next week. Critics called the move “opportunistic.”
“We’re just fed up,” said author Janet MacLeod Trotter, “with how he uses politics to promote his private empire.”
Gaza and Immigration Fuel Discontent
While the Epstein controversy lingers, broader frustration over U.S. immigration detention, Trump’s comments on European migration, and Gaza war policies formed the foundation of Saturday’s unrest. Protesters emphasized unity across race and nationality, contrasting Trump’s rhetoric with solidarity messages.
Gabriele Negro, a University of Edinburgh employee originally from Italy, explained his presence simply:
“He needs to know people around the world reject his politics.”
A Visit With Strategic Timing
Trump’s Scotland stop includes scheduled talks with UK PM Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, where the “Economic Prosperity Deal” and tariff tensions will dominate discussions. Von der Leyen and Trump are expected to meet Sunday in an attempt to prevent August 1 trade tariffs from taking effect.
The Turnberry resort, which Trump bought in 2014 for $60 million, has not hosted a British Open since 2009. Trump claimed this trip was “not about that,” despite long lobbying efforts to restore the venue to the Open Championship rotation.
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