President Donald Trump paused his golfing weekend in Scotland on Sunday to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as both sides work toward a trade agreement ahead of a looming deadline to impose hefty tariffs.
Trump spent the weekend at his Turnberry golf course on Scotland’s southwest coast, accompanied by his sons Eric and Donald Jr. and their wives. While briefly acknowledging reporters and questions about the trade talks during his private meeting with von der Leyen, Trump declined to comment.
His five-day visit to Scotland has largely centered on golfing and promoting his business ventures in the area. Outside the course, a small group of demonstrators waved American flags and held a sign criticizing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is scheduled to meet Trump at Turnberry on Monday. Supporters nearby cheered and chanted Trump’s name as he played.
On Tuesday, Trump and his sons plan to visit another family-owned golf course in Aberdeen, northeastern Scotland, where they will participate in the opening ceremony of a third course.
For months, Trump has threatened to impose high tariffs on many of the U.S.’s major trading partners, including the European Union, aiming to reduce America’s trade deficits. He said there is about a “50-50 chance” of striking a deal with the EU and indicated that any agreement would likely involve lowering the proposed 30% tariff on goods from the 27-member bloc.
Joining von der Leyen at the talks were key EU officials, including chief trade negotiator Maros Sefcovic, Sabine Weyand from the commission’s trade directorate, and Tomas Baert, head of the EU delegation’s trade and agriculture section. A news conference was planned following the discussions.
Earlier this month, the U.S. and EU appeared close to reaching an agreement, but Trump then threatened to enforce the 30% tariffs. Although the deadline for imposing these tariffs has shifted multiple times, it is currently set for Friday.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated firmly that there will be “no extensions, no more grace periods” and that tariffs will begin on August 1. However, he noted that negotiations could continue even after tariffs go into effect, as Trump remains open to dialogue.
Lutnick emphasized that the EU wants a deal and has traveled to Scotland to negotiate, but it remains uncertain whether the EU’s offer will satisfy Trump enough to abandon the planned tariffs.
If the tariffs are implemented, the EU has vowed to retaliate with its own duties on hundreds of American products, including beef, auto parts, beer, and Boeing aircraft.
Such tariffs could raise prices for European goods like French cheese, Italian leather, German electronics, and Spanish pharmaceuticals in the U.S. market.
While Trump has been skeptical about trade deals, citing a 25% chance of success with Japan, an agreement was recently reached with that country. His trade focus has continued throughout his time in Scotland.
On Saturday, Trump announced via his Truth Social platform that he would block trade agreements with Cambodia and Thailand until both nations end violent border clashes. He said he urged Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to pursue a ceasefire, adding that trade discussions could resume once peace is restored.
Meanwhile, the U.S. and Britain announced a trade framework in May, followed by a broader agreement during the recent Group of Seven summit in Canada. Trump stated that deal is finalized and that he plans to discuss additional matters with Prime Minister Starmer during their meeting, though some details reportedly remain to be finalized.
Also Read:
Trump signs order to clarify college athletes’ employment status amid NIL chaos
Japan Posts Trade Deficit as Trump’s Tariffs Weigh on Exports
