U.S. President Donald Trump visited Scotland, UK, for a 4-night, 5-day schedule starting on the 25th (local time), amid allegations that he is using his presidential status to promote a golf course in his family's name.
On the 27th, President Trump met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the golf course to coordinate a trade agreement, discussing the Gaza Strip and the Ukraine war, among other topics. The day before, he met with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, to announce news of a trade agreement with the EU.
On the 28th, The Washington Post (WP) noted that "President Trump has transformed his Turnberry golf course into a high-level diplomatic venue," pointing out that "this is another example of using presidential power not just for state governance but also for family corporations."
It continued, "This type of diplomatic activity provides promotional benefits for the (owned) golf course and results in the 'Trump Group' receiving tax revenues, as the U.S. government pays expenses for security and staff accommodations at properties owned by President Trump."
According to WP, while it is common for U.S. presidents to use "Air Force One" (the presidential plane) and receive Secret Service protection during personal trips, there has been no precedent of the government paying security personnel or accommodations for White House staff at businesses owned by the president. President Trump is promoting his golf course while also generating revenue from taxes by choosing it as a travel destination.
Previously, the Associated Press (AP) criticized, saying that "a vast entourage of aides, White House staff, Secret Service agents, and reporters is being leveraged to promote Trump-branded golf courses," adding that "the president is increasingly mixing official duties with family business promotion."
In fact, President Trump did not miss the opportunity to promote his golf course during this diplomatic schedule. He told Prime Minister Starmer, "Look at the windows of these diverse restaurants. They are truly excellent," to which Starmer replied, "Everything inside and outside the building and the course itself is really excellent."
Turnberry golf course was acquired by President Trump in 2014 for about $67 million (approximately 93.3 billion won), and the Trump Group spent $144 million (approximately 200.5 billion won) on renovations. However, according to disclosures from Turnberry golf course, it recorded a loss of $1.7 million (approximately 2.4 billion won) in the 2023 fiscal year, indicating poor profitability.
President Trump has frequently visited Turnberry golf course since his first term. He also visited this golf course before meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Finland in 2018. According to the Scottish daily newspaper The Scotsman, the U.S. government paid $68,800 (approximately 95.78 million won) for President Trump's visit to Turnberry golf course in 2018 alone.
The White House described this visit as "a trip combining work." White House Press Secretary Taylor Rogers stated, "President Trump always prioritizes the interests of the American people and has successfully facilitated excellent transactions prioritizing America," while also mentioning, "President Trump has built some of the finest and most beautiful golf courses in the world, which are regularly utilized by renowned tournaments and golfers."