On Friday, President Donald Trump departed for Scotland, embarking on a presidential journey that seamlessly intertwines business with leisure. The primary focus of this trip revolves around his two prominent golf properties in Scotland: Trump Turnberry and Trump International Scotland in Aberdeenshire. This weekend, Trump will tee off at Trump Turnberry before participating in a ceremonial dedication and ribbon-cutting event for the opening of a second 18-hole golf course at his Aberdeenshire property.
While the White House has labeled this excursion as a “working visit,” it is evident that Trump's agenda also includes meetings with influential leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen. However, critics argue that this trip highlights Trump’s ongoing practice of leveraging the privileges of the presidency to promote and enrich his business interests.
During his first term, Trump faced significant backlash from Democrats regarding his Washington, DC hotel, which became a hotspot for foreign delegations. The controversy was so intense that, in 2019, Trump abandoned plans to host a G7 meeting at his Doral resort in Florida. Now, in his second term, Trump appears more open to accepting gifts from foreign entities and governments, further raising eyebrows about potential conflicts of interest.
As outlined in his recent financial disclosure documents, Trump has already amassed millions through various business ventures, including cryptocurrency, foreign investments, and the sale of Trump-branded products. Noteworthy earnings include:
$1.3 million from Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” Bible $2.5 million from Trump sneakers and fragrances $2.8 million from “Trump Watches” Over $1 million from a “45” guitarAdditionally, Trump has introduced Trump Mobile, a wireless service offering monthly plans and a $499 smartphone, further diversifying his portfolio.
Recent reports have indicated that Trump’s business connections to the Middle East have significantly expanded since his presidency. Notably, he accepted a luxury 747 jet from the government of Qatar as a “gift” for use as Air Force One, which critics claim raises serious ethical concerns and potential violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the US Constitution.
Despite the backlash, Trump dismissed these criticisms, stating, “I think it’s a great gesture from Qatar. I appreciate it very much.” This sentiment reflects Trump's ongoing willingness to accept potentially controversial gifts.
Ethics advocates have voiced alarm over Trump’s expanding array of business endeavors in his second term, particularly those that align with White House policies, such as cryptocurrency. Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen, remarked that Trump is “using a driver to smash through basic governmental ethics norms” and that the scale of his administration’s grift is unprecedented in American history.
Trump’s assets are managed by his children, and the Trump Organization has publicly stated that the president will not be involved in the day-to-day operations, similar to arrangements made during his first term. However, unlike in the past when all foreign deals were halted, this year, Eric Trump confirmed that the organization would continue to seek overseas partnerships.
Trump has positioned himself as a pro-crypto president, with his administration easing regulations on the industry and establishing a bitcoin reserve. His financial disclosure indicates he earned $57 million from selling a cryptocurrency token through the Trump family’s exchange, World Liberty Financial, launched last year.
Notably, Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, both launched meme coins shortly before his inauguration, with Trump’s $TRUMP coin gaining significant traction. The coin's value surged dramatically when Trump offered exclusive access to private events for top holders, inciting criticism that this arrangement allowed foreigners to buy access to the president.
Trump’s golf resort in Aberdeenshire is currently under scrutiny as part of a civil fraud lawsuit by the New York attorney general, alleging that he inflated projections for future developments on his property. During court proceedings, Trump touted the quality of his golf course, stating, “I think it’s the greatest golf course ever built.”
As he prepares to unveil the MacLeod Course — named to honor his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod — Trump reaffirms his deep ties to Scotland, stating, “I have a lot of love” for the land.
In summary, President Trump’s latest trip to Scotland reflects a blend of personal interests and presidential responsibilities, raising questions about the intersection of business and politics in his administration.
