What started as a scenic stop at his Turnberry golf resort in Scotland quickly turned into a whirlwind of political threats, tariff announcements, and international negotiations—Donald Trump style.
The former U.S. president, never one to shy away from a dramatic deadline, has now given countries just four days to strike trade deals with the U.S. or face hefty new tariffs.
And while he’s doing all this, yes—he’s also playing golf.
Warning Shot: Tariffs or Trade Deals, the Clock Is Ticking
With August 1st looming, Trump told reporters that countries without a trade deal with the U.S. should brace for tariffs “somewhere in the 15 to 20 percent range.”
He delivered this warning casually, sitting alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his scenic Scottish course.
He offered no clear answers on how these potential tariffs might affect major sectors like steel, aluminum, or pharmaceuticals—only that the U.S. would be just fine “making its own.” His message? Deal now or pay later.
Big Promises and Vague Details
Trump has been making grand announcements about trade lately.
He recently touted a “powerful” agreement with the European Union, claiming it would eliminate tariffs on U.S. exports while the EU commits to purchasing $750 billion worth of American energy—and perhaps even more in military equipment.
But the details of that deal? Still largely under wraps.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed a new trade understanding had been reached and described the talks as “very tough.”
Trump, however, made it clear the U.S. wouldn’t settle for anything less than a major win.
Britain’s Steel Problem Meets Trump’s ‘America First’ Agenda
British PM Keir Starmer hoped the Turnberry meeting might help ease the 25 percent Trump-era tariffs on British steel and aluminum.
But Trump made no promises, instead doubling down on the idea that the U.S. would produce more of its own metals.
“We’re a big buyer of steel,” Trump said. “But we’re going to make our own steel.
We’re going to make our own aluminum.”
That wasn’t the reassurance British manufacturers were hoping for.
From Windmills to Wars: Trump’s Conversation Rollercoaster
True to form, Trump veered from tariffs to bagpipes, from immigration to wind turbines.
He blamed windmills near his golf course for ruining the landscape, saying they were “noisy,” killed birds, and “drove people crazy.”
He also claimed credit for resolving border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, boasting that he helped avert “a very bad war.”
According to Trump, a ceasefire is now in place and trade talks with both countries are back on.
Left Out of the Deal Club: India, Brazil, South Korea
While Trump boasts deals with Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and the EU, several major global players—like India, Brazil, and South Korea—have yet to finalize anything.
That puts them in the crosshairs of Trump’s looming August 1 tariff deadline.
And yes, he’s still threatening to hit them with 15–20 percent tariffs unless they move quickly.
Ballroom Bragging and Beef with Beyoncé
Never one to miss a chance to show off his properties, Trump praised the newly built Trump Ballroom at Turnberry and joked about airlifting it into the White House.
But the more controversial part of his remarks came when he reignited conspiracy theories about Democratic campaign spending.
Trump accused Kamala Harris’s team of illegally paying celebrities like Beyoncé, Oprah, and Al Sharpton for endorsements—allegations the Harris campaign and the celebrities have consistently denied.
Golfing with Eric, Threatening the Globe
In between meetings and media attacks, Trump made time to golf with his son Eric—highlighting the “working visit” label his aides are using to justify his Scottish escape.
He claimed several executives were staying at Turnberry, but none appeared alongside him publicly.
To hammer home his image as a dealmaker and power broker, Trump posted a video of himself teeing off, quoting golf legend Gary Player, who called Turnberry one of the top five courses he’s ever played.
Energy, Trade, and a Whole Lot of Drama
Trump wants the world to know he’s not just playing golf—he’s reshaping global trade.
Whether it’s threatening countries with tariffs or negotiating new agreements from the greens of Scotland, the former president is pushing hard for what he claims will be the “biggest trade deal ever struck.”
But critics say his tariff threats could backfire, harming American consumers and straining long-time alliances.
With just days to go before his self-imposed August 1 deadline, all eyes are now on whether the remaining nations will bend—or brace themselves for the hit.
