President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to European leaders about immigration, claiming a “horrible invasion” is “killing Europe” as he touched down in Scotland for a five-day visit that will include crucial trade negotiations with both the UK and EU.
The 47th President landed at Glasgow Prestwick Airport at approximately 8:30pm on Friday evening, launching into immediate criticism of European immigration policies whilst praising some unnamed leaders who have resisted the influx.
Speaking to GB News’s Bev Turner on arrival, Trump declared: “On immigration you better get your act together or you’re not going to have Europe anymore. You’ve got to stop this horrible invasion that is happening to Europe, many countries in Europe.”
“Immigration is Killing Europe” Claims Trump
The President drew comparisons with his own border policies, boasting about America’s closed borders under his administration whilst attacking his predecessor Joe Biden.
“Last month, we had nobody entering our country. Nobody. Shut it down. And we took out a lot of bad people that got there with Biden,” Trump told reporters, adding that the former Democrat President was “a total stiff.
He continued his warning to European nations: “You’re allowing it to happen to your countries, and you’ve got to stop this horrible invasion that’s happening to Europe; many countries in Europe.
Whilst refusing to name specific leaders, Trump noted that “some leaders have not let it happen, and they’re not getting the proper credit they should.”
High-Stakes Trade Negotiations Scheduled
Trump’s Scotland visit centres on two major diplomatic engagements that could reshape transatlantic trade relations for years to come.
The President will meet UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Monday to discuss refinements to the recently implemented US-UK trade deal, which came into force on 30 June. The agreement has already slashed US export tariffs for British automotive and aerospace sectors, with car manufacturers now exporting under a reduced 10% tariff quota.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed she will travel to Scotland on Sunday for critical negotiations with Trump, who has threatened to impose 30% tariffs on EU goods by 1 August unless a deal is reached.
“Following a good call with @POTUS, we have agreed to meet in Scotland on Sunday to discuss transatlantic trade relations, and how we can keep them strong,” von der Leyen posted on X.
Trump Praises Starmer Despite Political Differences
Despite their contrasting political ideologies, Trump expressed warm sentiments towards the Labour Prime Minister, describing their relationship positively.
“I like your Prime Minister, he’s slightly more liberal than I am, as you probably heard, but he’s a good man,” Trump said. “He got a trade deal done. You know, they’ve been working on this deal for 12 years, he got it done, that’s a good deal, it’s a good deal for the UK.”
The President confirmed he would meet Starmer “tomorrow evening,” though UK sources indicate the meeting is scheduled for Monday.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump would use the visit to “refine the great trade deal that was brokered between the United States and the United Kingdom.
Scottish First Minister to Raise Gaza Crisis
Scottish First Minister John Swinney has pledged to use his meeting with Trump to address humanitarian concerns, specifically the situation in Gaza.
“As First Minister, it is my responsibility to advance our interests, raise global and humanitarian issues of significant importance—including the unimaginable suffering we are witnessing in Gaza,” Swinney stated ahead of the visit.
The SNP leader, who Trump described as a “good man” he was “looking forward” to meeting, faces pressure from within his own party to take a strong stance on the Gaza conflict.
Former First Minister Humza Yousaf and his wife Nadia El-Nakla, who has family in Gaza, urged action this week: “Millions in Gaza are being deliberately starved while Israel withholds food mere kilometres away. Words are not enough.”
Massive Security Operation Amid Planned Protests
Police Scotland has mobilised thousands of officers for what Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond described as a “significant police operation” requiring support from forces across the UK.
The Stop Trump Coalition has announced a “festival of resistance” with protests planned for Saturday in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dumfries. Campaign groups ranging from trade unions to climate justice activists and Palestinian solidarity organisations are expected to demonstrate.
Donald Trump may shake hands with our leaders, but he’s no friend of Scotland,” said Alena Ivanova, a campaigner with the Stop Trump Coalition.
The Scottish pro-independence newspaper The National marked Trump’s arrival with a front-page headline: “Convicted US felon to arrive in Scotland.”
Business Mixed with Politics at Golf Properties
Trump will divide his time between his two Scottish golf courses – Turnberry in South Ayrshire and his property near Aberdeen, where he will officially open a new 18-hole course dedicated to his Scottish-born mother, Mary.
The visit has reignited local tensions, particularly in Aberdeenshire where residents like David Milne, whose property Trump once declared an “eyesore,” continue to resist the President’s development plans.
“Most people I know wish he wouldn’t come at all,” said Hannah Stewart, 44, a lifelong Balmedie resident who recalled playing on the dunes as a child before Trump’s golf course was built.
EU Trade Deal Hangs in Balance
Trump assessed the chances of reaching a comprehensive trade agreement with the EU as “50-50,” acknowledging that approximately 20 “thorny” issues remain unresolved.
The EU currently faces US tariffs on more than 70% of its exports, including 50% on steel and aluminium, 25% on cars and car parts, and a 10% levy on most other goods. EU officials warn that Trump’s threatened 30% tariffs would “wipe out whole chunks of transatlantic commerce.”
The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU has warned that any conflict could jeopardise £7.6 trillion ($9.5 trillion) of business in what it calls the world’s most important commercial relationship.
State Visit to Follow in September
Looking ahead, Trump and First Lady Melania have accepted King Charles III’s invitation for an official state visit from 17-19 September, marking what the White House called “a truly unprecedented second state visit” for the President.
His Majesty The King will host The President and Mrs. Trump at Windsor Castle,” Buckingham Palace confirmed, with Trump describing the invitation as a “great, great honour.
The September visit will represent a more formal diplomatic engagement compared to this week’s “working visit” focused primarily on trade negotiations and Trump’s business interests.
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