Trump’s Scotland trip latest example of blending private business with presidential duties

President Donald Trump took off for Scotland on Friday for his latest presidential trip mixing business and golf.

Trump plans to visit his two golf properties in Scotland: First, he’s golfing this weekend at Trump Turnberry, before heading to Trump International Scotland in Aberdeenshire, where he’ll participate in a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of a second 18-hole golf course on his property.

While the White House calls it a “working visit” — Trump will meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen — the trip is the president’s latest example of using the trappings of the White House to promote and enrich his businesses while in office.

In his first term, Democrats cried foul at Trump’s Washington, DC, hotel, which became a popular destination for foreign delegations to spend money. The blowback was strong enough that in 2019, Trump scrapped the idea of hosting a G7 meeting at his Doral, Florida, resort.

But in his second term, Trump has shown a greater willingness to openly accept gifts from foreigners and foreign governments alike. And to find ways to profit.