Trump Meets EU’s Ursula von der Leyen Amid Golf Weekend
President Donald Trump met with Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, on Sunday. This was amidst his golf weekend in Scotland, where they focused on trade discussions, particularly concerning impending tariff agreements. A significant deadline for potential import taxes is approaching this week.
Trump was at the Turnberry golf course on Scotland’s southwest coast, accompanied by his sons, Eric and Donald Jr., and his wife. It seemed that golf was the primary distraction during this trip.
As he waved to reporters and fielded shouted questions about possible deals with the European Union during the private meeting, he chose not to comment publicly. His visit to Scotland, lasting five days, primarily revolves around golf and promoting his branded property.
A small group of protesters gathered at Turnberry, waving American flags and brandishing signs criticizing British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer, who has a meeting planned with Trump on Monday. Amid the protest, cheers of “Trump! Trump!” could also be heard while he played nearby.
On Tuesday, Trump is scheduled to be in Aberdeen, northeastern Scotland. His family is planning to open another golf course and will assist in cutting ribbons for yet another new course next month.
For some time, Trump has been threatening imposing sudden tariffs globally, aiming to address the significant U.S. trade deficit with several major trade partners, including the EU.
The EU has indicated that if a deal isn’t reached, it is prepared to enact retaliatory tariffs on hundreds of American goods, including items like beef, auto parts, and even beer.
“We might have a 50-50 chance, or perhaps even less, but we do have that chance to strike a deal with the EU,” Trump stated, adding that the bloc of 27 member states might need to “accept” the proposed tariff rate of 30% currently on the table.
Earlier this month, trade discussions between the U.S. and the EU seemed to be making progress, yet Trump escalated matters by threatening a 30% tariff. His original deadline expired but was extended at least until Friday.
Should Trump follow through with his tariff threats, it could lead to higher prices in the U.S. for various goods ranging from French cheese and Italian leather to German electronics and Spanish medicines.
Recently, Trump had gauged a 25% likelihood of establishing a framework deal with Japan, but the two countries announced an agreement last week.
Trump’s focus on trade has traveled with him to Scotland. On Saturday, he used his social media platform to announce the blocking of trade deals with Cambodia and Thailand due to violent clashes in border areas. He had spoken with both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Hun Sam Wechayachai, urging a ceasefire. Once hostilities cease, both countries expressed a desire to return to trade negotiations.
Meanwhile, significant agreements have been made regarding U.S.-UK trade since May, with discussions at multiple conferences in Canada. Trump suggests that a deal is still in the works, and, while discussing other issues with Starge, he implied that the White House is yet to finalize details.
