Trump Demands Europe Address Immigration
President Criticizes Wind Turbines During Scotland Visit
Arriving in Scotland, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Europe regarding immigration, stating the continent must “get [its] act together” or risk losing its identity.
Mixed Agenda: Golf and Diplomacy
The President’s five-day visit to the United Kingdom blends personal business with diplomatic engagements. Trump is scheduled to play golf at two of his Scottish resorts, including one in Turnberry where he will inaugurate a new course honoring his mother.
His itinerary also includes meetings with key political figures, such as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. These discussions are aimed at furthering trade relations between the U.S. and both the UK and the EU.
“On immigration, you better get your act together. You’re not going to have Europe anymore.”
—Donald Trump, U.S. President
Trump characterized immigration as an “invasion” that is “killing Europe.” He also voiced his opposition to renewable wind power, asserting that windmills are “killing the beauty of your country.” His long-standing critique of wind turbines includes a past legal attempt to halt construction near his Aberdeenshire golf course.
The trip’s cost to U.S. taxpayers is estimated to be at least $10 million, a figure highlighted by progressive news website HuffPost as the most expensive golf vacation of either of his terms. In contrast, a White House spokesperson described the visit as a “working trip,” downplaying concerns about potential conflicts of interest related to the intertwining of Trump‘s business and presidential duties.
Trump expressed optimism about trade talks, telling reporters there was a “good 50/50 chance” of reaching a deal with the European Union, calling it potentially the “biggest deal of them all.” He also praised Prime Minister Keir Starmer as a “good man” who secured a trade deal, referring to a preliminary U.S.-UK trade agreement.
Meanwhile, protests against Trump‘s visit are planned across Scotland, reflecting his general unpopularity. A March poll indicated that over 70% of Scots hold an unfavorable view of the U.S. president, with small protest groups visible upon his arrival.
In the United States, recent polling indicates a shift in public opinion regarding renewable energy investments. A Gallup poll from 2023 found that 73% of Americans support increasing the use of solar power, while 65% support increasing the use of wind power, highlighting a different national sentiment compared to President Trump‘s public statements.
