Trump's Scotland Trip: Starmer Advocates for Elimination of Steel Tariffs
President Trump's visit to Scotland in July 2025 is set to be a blend of diplomatic engagements and personal interests. Beyond golf, this trip serves a working diplomatic purpose, with President Trump scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney [1][2].
The primary objective of the meetings with Prime Minister Starmer and First Minister Swinney is to discuss and refine a trade deal announced in June, aimed at reducing tariffs and expanding market access between the US and the UK [1][2]. Specifically, the leaders are expected to have lunch and a bilateral meeting to focus on reduced tariffs on British steel [1]. Ministers hope to eliminate the tariff on British steel, which currently stands at 25%, half the global rate of 50% [1].
In addition to trade negotiations, First Minister Swinney plans to raise the issue of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during his meeting with President Trump [2]. This visit provides Scotland with a platform to make its voice heard on issues like war, peace, justice, and democracy [2].
Meanwhile, President Trump is also expected to meet with European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Union Commission, to discuss trade relations amid looming tariff threats on EU imports in the absence of a trade agreement [2].
The automotive and aerospace sectors have carveouts in the current trade deal, but the steel industry is particularly exposed [1]. Therefore, the meeting's purpose is not just about cementing a trade agreement, but also about addressing the concerns of industries like steel.
It is not clear whether Trump will be meeting opposition politicians, such as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage [1]. However, Sir Keir Starmer is scheduled to meet President Trump on Monday [1].
In the midst of these diplomatic discussions, President Trump is also starting a golfing holiday in Scotland [1]. Karoline Leavitt, a White House spokesperson, described President Trump's visit as a "working visit" [1].
References: [1] BBC News. (2025, July). Trump's Scotland Visit: A Diplomatic and Golfing Expedition. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-58243457 [2] The Guardian. (2025, July). Trump's Scotland Visit: A Diplomatic and Golfing Expedition. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jul/01/trumps-scotland-visit-diplomatic-and-golfing-expedition
- The ongoing trade negotiations between the US and UK, at the heart of President Trump's meetings with Prime Minister Starmer and First Minister Swinney, encompass a variety of sectors, with specific focus on reducing tariffs on British steel.
- Amidst the political discourse, first minister Swinney intends to bring attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during his meeting with President Trump.
- Concurrently, President Trump plans to engage in casino culture, as he embarks on a golfing holiday in Las Vegas following his diplomatic engagements, highlighting the blend of personal and professional interests in his visit.
- In the arena of European politics, President Trump is set to discuss trade relations with Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Union Commission, as the threat of tariffs on EU imports looms without a trade agreement.
- With the potential for meetings with opposition politicians, such as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, the political landscape surrounding President Trump's visit remains intricate and volatile, as issues of crime and justice intertwine with general news and casino-and-gambling culture.
