US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer held a joint press conference on Monday at Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Ayrshire, Scotland, as part of the President’s ongoing visit to the United Kingdom.
Sir Keir arrived at the luxury resort around midday, where he was welcomed by Trump and the First Lady. The two leaders addressed a range of issues including humanitarian aid in Gaza, UK immigration policy, the war in Ukraine, and the recently finalised US-UK trade deal.
During the appearance, Trump spoke fondly of Scotland, noting his mother’s birthplace in the country and describing the UK-US relationship as unmatched. Regarding concerns about tariffs on Scottish whisky, he remarked he was unaware it was an issue, adding with a touch of humour that he’s not a whisky drinker.
On the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Trump acknowledged the suffering of children and confirmed ongoing US aid efforts. Starmer echoed these sentiments, stating that the British public are deeply disturbed by the scenes from the conflict and confirmed the UK’s coordination with Jordan to deliver aid directly.
When asked about the UK’s handling of small boat crossings, Trump praised the UK’s tough stance, saying, “If you are stopping the wrong people, my hat is off to you.” He further added that if the boats were filled with “bad people”, as he claimed often happens, then the UK was acting correctly. Starmer responded that his government has already removed over 35,000 individuals with no legal right to remain in the country.
Turning to foreign affairs, Trump criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin for continued attacks in Ukraine and hinted that he may shorten the previously announced 50-day ceasefire deadline. He expressed disappointment in Putin’s actions and suggested that he no longer expected a positive outcome.
The Prime Minister’s meeting with Trump marks the third day of his visit to Scotland. It is understood they also discussed the war in Ukraine and US diplomatic efforts in coordination with Qatar and Egypt. Following their discussions at Turnberry, the two leaders travelled to Aberdeenshire for a private engagement before Trump continued on to his second resort, Trump International Golf Links on the Menie Estate.
Trump’s visit has sparked widespread protests across Scotland. Demonstrations were held in Edinburgh and Aberdeen over the weekend, with hundreds gathering to express opposition to his presence and policies. A “festival of resistance” was also organised on Monday in Balmedie, near the Menie Estate, with campaigners criticising the allocation of £180,000 in public funds for next month’s Nexo Championship, to be held at Trump’s golf course.
Stop Trump Scotland spokesperson Alena Ivanova accused the UK government of appeasing the US President, stating there is no room for “Trumpism” in Scotland. She called on political leaders to oppose his influence and reject public funding for events hosted at his resorts.
The visit was also marked by several arrests. Former Aberdeenshire councillor Debra Storr was arrested on Friday for alleged abusive behaviour near the Menie golf resort. On Sunday, counter-terrorism police began investigating footage showing a man shouting anti-Trump slogans on a flight to Glasgow. In addition, a woman received a warning for threatening behaviour at a protest in Edinburgh, while another man was arrested at Prestwick Airport.
President Trump is expected to return to the UK in September for an unprecedented second state visit, continuing diplomatic engagement with the newly elected British government.
