Donald Trump’s latest journey to Scotland may have started as a celebration of his family roots and love for golf, but it quickly took a different turn.
While the former president was busy reopening his beloved golf courses and meeting with world leaders, questions about his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein cast a long shadow over the visit.
Golf and Family First
Trump landed in Scotland over the weekend, proudly returning to his family’s ancestral homeland where his mother was born.
He spent the early part of the trip surrounded by his children and grandchildren, enjoying golf at his Turnberry and Aberdeen courses.
The visit was designed to spotlight the grand reopening of his “New Course” in Aberdeen, affectionately nicknamed “MacLeod” after his mother’s maiden name.
Amid bagpipes and coastal views, Trump even welcomed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to his club.
The two exchanged polite remarks about the scenery and Trump boasted about his investments in the area.
His mood appeared lifted following a major trade deal with the European Union, which he hailed as the “biggest of them all.”
Epstein Questions Resurface
But even as Trump tried to keep the focus on business and diplomacy, the Epstein story refused to fade.
A Wall Street Journal report had revived controversy by claiming Trump had drawn a bawdy birthday sketch for Epstein back in 2003—something he flatly denied, going so far as to sue the publication for $10 billion.
Adding to the tension, reports emerged that Attorney General Pam Bondi had informed Trump that his name appeared in the Epstein case files, which she then kept sealed from public view.
Trump denied ever being briefed and initially brushed off questions, calling them inappropriate and refusing to discuss a possible pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate.
A Shift in Tone
Despite his firm early denials, Trump’s tone began to soften just two days later.
After a weekend of family time and golfing, he seemed more open to addressing the controversy.
When asked again about the Epstein files, he didn’t shy away.
Instead, he lashed out at those he accused of running a “hoax,” naming former FBI Director James Comey and Attorney General Merrick Garland among others.
Trump even opened up about his personal falling out with Epstein.
According to him, their relationship soured after Epstein hired several Mar-a-Lago staffers—something Trump took personally.
He claimed to have banned Epstein from the club after multiple warnings, calling him “persona non grata.”
Giuffre’s Name Surfaces
In a striking revelation, Trump named Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most vocal accusers, as one of the employees Epstein allegedly poached from Mar-a-Lago’s spa.
Trump insisted he had told Epstein not to take his staff, and when the behavior continued, that was the final straw.
What he didn’t clarify, however, was whether he knew about any of Epstein’s misconduct while it was allegedly happening on his own property.
Giuffre has said she was recruited into Epstein’s network while working at Mar-a-Lago at the age of 16.
The Story Refuses to Die
Back in the U.S., the controversy shows no signs of slowing down.
Trump’s legal team is moving full steam ahead, now pushing to depose media mogul Rupert Murdoch in their massive lawsuit over the alleged birthday sketch.
While Trump tried to pivot the narrative in Scotland—showcasing his golf courses, trade wins, and diplomatic meetings—his ties to Epstein and Maxwell remain an open question.
And as much as he tries to steer the conversation elsewhere, the story keeps finding its way back into the headlines.
With more details still emerging, and depositions on the horizon, it’s clear that this is one controversy that won’t be buried on the back nine.