President Donald Trump arrived in Scotland on Friday, combining diplomacy with business as his family prepares to open a new golf course on 13 August in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire.
Trump–Starmer Meeting and UK Trade Deal
Trump said his meeting with Starmer would be more of a celebration of the trade deal already reached than continued work on it, adding, "It's a great deal for both."
Since taking office last year, Starmer has prioritized strengthening ties with Washington and succeeded in clinching the first tariff-reduction deal with the U.S. in May, easing levies on aerospace goods and setting car export quotas.
EU Trade Talks and Tariff Proposals
Trump also commented on ongoing negotiations with the European Union, estimating a '50-50' chance of securing a major trade deal. He acknowledged there are still 'sticking points' on about 20 unresolved issues.
EU diplomats suggest the deal under discussion may introduce a broad 15% tariff on European goods—half the 30% Trump has threatened to impose by 1 August. As part of his broader effort to reset global trade terms, Trump has already introduced a 10% tariff on nearly all U.S. trade partners, a move aimed at reducing the trade deficit, though economists warn it could drive inflation.
Epstein Scandal and Public Reaction
Trump addressed the renewed media attention regarding his past association with Jeffrey Epstein, characterizing the coverage as disproportionate.
"You make it a very big thing over something that's not a big thing," Trump told reporters in Scotland, urging them to focus on other prominent Americans with ties to Epstein, including former President Bill Clinton.
Scotland Visit and Public Sentiment
During his stay in Scotland, Trump is lodging at his Turnberry golf resort on the west coast. On Monday, he will travel to Aberdeen to open a second 18-hole course named after his Scottish-born mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was raised on the Isle of Lewis before immigrating to the U.S.
While Trump describes Scotland as a 'very special place,' local sentiment is less favorable. A recent Ipsos poll found that 70% of Scots hold a negative view of him. Protests are expected in both Aberdeen and Edinburgh over the weekend.
Upcoming State Visit
Looking ahead, Trump is scheduled to return to the UK in September for a formal state visit hosted by King Charles. It will make Trump the first world leader in modern times to undertake two state visits to Britain.
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At least three paramilitary troops and three suspected militants were killed after heavily armed attackers stormed a Rangers security compound in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Saturday, authorities said.
"I will be president for only a couple of weeks, and then I will resign," Vucic told supporters at a pro-government rally in the capital, Belgrade.
France said on Saturday it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations.
France said on Saturday it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations.
Tens of thousands of people are still unaccounted for after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. At least 589 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds are believed to be trapped under rubble, as emergency crews and international rescue teams race to respond.
Japan remained on high alert Saturday as Typhoon Mekkhala approached the eastern coast after Typhoon Higos weakened into a tropical depression. Authorities warned of continued heavy rain, flooding, and landslides, according to media reports.
A tanker reported being struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, Britain's maritime security agency said, after the United States and Iran each launched strikes in the worst escalation since they signed their interim peace deal.
Germany and Poland are bracing for sweltering conditions as a deadly heatwave that has gripped Western Europe moves east, with temperatures expected to approach 40C over the weekend.
At least three paramilitary troops and three suspected militants were killed after heavily armed attackers stormed a Rangers security compound in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Saturday, authorities said.
"I will be president for only a couple of weeks, and then I will resign," Vucic told supporters at a pro-government rally in the capital, Belgrade.
The death toll in the twin earthquakes which rocked Venezuela earlier this week has risen to 1,430, top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said on Saturday. Another 3,200 people were injured and 3,100 left homeless by the disaster, he added on state television.
Australia said it would double the maximum penalty it can impose on tech firms found to have failed to uphold a groundbreaking social media ban for children, as evidence mounts that the ban has had little effect on teen use.
France said on Saturday it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations.
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