What are Donald Trump’s connections to the UK?published at 05:25 BST
05:25 BST
The King mentioned Trump’s links to the UK during his state dinner speech, saying: “I can only imagine the immense pride with which your own dear mother, indeed both your parents, must be looking down on the great office to which you have been elected for a historic second term.”
And when Trump touched down to visit his golf course in Aberdeenshire in 2023, he declared: “It’s great to be home”.
Here’s why the New York native feels a strong connection to the Celtic nation.
A Scottish mother
Donald Trump’s mother Mary Anne MacLeod was brought up on the Hebridean island of Lewis, before moving to New York in 1930 at the age of 18 to find work as a domestic servant.
The president has visited her former home in Tong more than once and has often spoken of his love of his mother’s home country.
Image source, Mirrorpix via Getty ImagesImage caption,
Trump’s mother Mary Anne MacLeod left her home in Scotland to find work in New York aged 18
Trump Golf Scotland
The US president owns two golf courses in Scotland; South Ayrshire’s world-class Turnberry venue, and Menie in Aberdeenshire, where he opened a second 18 holes last July.
Trump bought Menie, eight miles north of Aberdeenshire, in 2006 before purchasing Turnberry in 2014 despite indicating he had no plans to invest in Scotland following a long-running dispute over a planned offshore wind farm.
Image source, AFP via Getty ImagesImage caption,
Trump played a round of golf at Turnberry before meeting Ursula von der Leyen last July
Last year’s visit for talks with the EU
Mixing business and pleasure, Trump has even taken to using his Scottish real estate as a venue for diplomatic talks.
Last July, Trump took in a round of golf at Turnberry before shaking hands with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last July.
Ahead of discussions on an EU trade deal, the US president remarked that he had “enjoyed the golf in “beautiful Scotland”, but said he was “not in a good mood” as he sat next to the European leader. The pair eventually agreed to 15% tariffs on European exports to America – half the 30% import tax Trump had threatened.