LONDON — Former President Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland this week has ignited sharp criticism across the U.K. and beyond after he claimed “Europe is being killed” while celebrating the opening of a new facility at his Turnberry golf resort.
The controversial remarks, made during a brief press appearance at Trump Turnberry on Scotland’s western coast, come amid escalating tensions surrounding U.S.-European relations, global trade, and Trump’s ongoing legal and political challenges at home. The former president is visiting the U.K. ahead of high-stakes meetings and potential trade-related discussions, but it was his comments — not policy — that dominated headlines.
Speaking Tuesday, Trump told gathered reporters, “Europe is being killed by its own leaders,” a comment that quickly drew fierce condemnation in Scottish media. The National, a leading Scotland newspaper, splashed Trump’s quote across its front page, criticizing the former U.S. leader for using Scottish soil to make divisive political statements. The BBC reported growing concern over the use of Scotland-based properties as backdrops for contentious rhetoric.
Turnberry Event Overshadowed by Controversy
The former president, who is currently seeking another term in the White House, arrived in Scotland to unveil a new multimillion-dollar extension at his Turnberry golf course — one of several Trump Organization properties in the U.K. According to ABC News, the event was initially framed as part of a broader effort to highlight trade and tourism opportunities between the U.S. and Scotland.
But Trump’s combative remarks, paired with fresh scrutiny over his ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, have fueled widespread backlash. CNN reported Saturday that the Scotland stop comes amid renewed interest in Epstein-related court documents, some of which mention individuals connected to Trump’s past social circle.
The reaction in Scotland has been swift and scathing. The National Scotland criticized both the timing and tone of the visit, while opposition lawmakers questioned whether the U.K. government should intervene when Trump uses British soil to broadcast controversial opinions.
Broader Implications for U.S.-U.K. Relations
Though the stated reason for Trump going to Scotland involved promoting economic ties and hospitality investment, his statements have put pressure on diplomatic channels. A U.K. Foreign Office spokesperson declined to comment directly on Trump’s remarks but reiterated Britain’s commitment to transatlantic cooperation.
Trump’s Turnberry resort, officially known as the Turnberry Golf Course Scotland, has long been a flashpoint in debates over foreign ownership, ethical transparency, and the intersection of politics and business. The resort has hosted major golf tournaments, but critics have voiced concerns about its role as a political platform.
Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign team has remained largely silent on the backlash, instead emphasizing what they call “America’s leadership role in restoring global peace and security.”
Trump in Scotland is not new — his previous visits in 2018 and 2023 also sparked protests and widespread media coverage. However, this week’s events come at a particularly volatile time, both internationally and in the run-up to the 2026 U.S. presidential election.
Conclusion
Trump’s high-profile stop in Scotland was meant to highlight business expansion at Turnberry, but his blunt assessment of Europe’s trajectory has ignited political controversy, stirred public backlash, and once again placed Scotland — and Trump’s presence there — at the center of international headlines.
