Aberdeen, Scotland, July 30, 2025
News Summary
Donald Trump has officially inaugurated the Trump International Golf Links during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Aberdeen, Scotland. The 18-hole course will open to the public soon, and Trump discussed his family real estate ventures and international diplomacy with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This golf course marks the third owned by the Trump Organization in Scotland, alongside emphasizing environmental features and security measures due to the presidential presence. However, the visit has drawn criticism over ethical concerns and substantial taxpayer costs.
Aberdeen, Scotland – President Donald Trump has officially opened his new golf course, the Trump International Golf Links, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on July 29. The new 18-hole course, located near Aberdeen, is set to open to the public on August 13. Trump was accompanied by his sons, Eric and Donald Trump Jr., during the visit, which also included a meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss trade at his Turnberry property.
In addition to promoting his family’s real estate ventures, Trump highlighted his role in international diplomacy, claiming to have “stopped about five wars,” including a ceasefire he brokered between Cambodia and Thailand. Starmer praised Trump’s Turnberry property as “fantastic” during their discussions, further elevating the public profile of Trump’s golf properties in the U.K.
The new golf course is the third owned by the Trump Organization in Scotland, along with the Turnberry course, and another property that was opened in 2012. Trump expressed a personal connection to Scotland through his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was born there. During the event, he described the golf course as a “passion project” and emphasized its environmentally friendly features, promising an “unmatched experience” for golfers.
However, Trump’s visit did not come without controversy. His use of official channels to promote his private business ventures has raised ethical concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest. The trip was also estimated to cost taxpayers around $10 million, accounting for travel, security, and logistics, drawing criticism from various quarters.
Security measures at the ceremony were heightened, with golfers facing additional screening using metal detectors due to the president’s presence. Trump also took the opportunity to criticize nearby wind turbines, referring to them as “ugly monsters” that detract from the natural landscape and negatively impact property values.
In the wake of the event, Trump and his family reportedly played rounds of golf together, allowing them to celebrate the new course amid ongoing controversies related to his administration. The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured golden scissors and traditional bagpipe music, underscoring the occasion’s festive atmosphere. Eric Trump expressed pride in the project, noting that they exceeded initial budget expectations, viewing it as a significant family legacy.
This trip allowed Trump to momentarily escape the political climate in Washington, D.C., as his administration faces ongoing challenges, including the war in Ukraine and humanitarian crises in Gaza. Overall, the opening of the Trump International Golf Links once again highlights the intersection of Trump’s business interests and his political activities on the international stage.
Key Features of the Trump International Golf Links
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Number of Holes | 18 |
| Opening Date | August 13 |
| Ownership | Trump Organization |
| Environmental Initiatives | Focus on sustainability and enhancing natural scenery |
| Security Measures | Increased due to presidential presence |
| Estimated Taxpayer Cost | $10 million |
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Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Donald Trump
- MSNBC
- Google Search: Trump Scotland golf course
- Rolling Stone
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Trump golf course
- Reuters
- Google News: Trump golf course Scotland
- AP News
- Google Scholar: Trump Scotland golf course
- Fox News
