Trump Returns to Washington After Scotland Trip, Focuses on Tariffs, Gaza Aid, and Fed Decision

Trump Returns from Scotland to Tackle Trade, Gaza, and Fed

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After a five‑day “private” visit to Scotland—mixing golf, diplomacy, and trade talks—President Donald Trump will land in Washington this evening, ready to confront a packed domestic and international agenda. From Aberdeen’s fairways to Air Force One’s cabin, Trump spent the weekend opening his Menie Links golf course, meeting British leaders, and sealing a tentative tariff deal with the European Union. Now, he returns to oversee U.S. trade policy, a looming Federal Reserve rate decision, and efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Scotland’s Fairways and High Stakes

Late Friday, Air Force One touched down at Prestwick Airport, whisking Trump and his entourage to Turnberry and Menie Links—two courses the president boasts as “world‑class.” On Saturday, he formally opened the new 18‑hole Menie Links layout, greeting assembled guests by promising, “I’ll be back soon, but right now I’m coming home to put out fires all over the world.”

Between drives and putts, Trump lobbied against North Sea wind farms—an issue whose roots lie in past litigation by his company—and declared his affection for Scotland, nodding to his mother’s Hebridean origins. His motorcades, accompanied by hundreds of security officers, passed through Aberdeen’s streets beneath protest signs and applause alike.

Trade Breakthroughs: EU Tariffs Slashed

In a major coup, Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed to cut EU tariffs on U.S. imports from 30 percent to 15 percent beginning August 1. For its part, the EU secured a phased reduction of American levies as well. While details are being finalized, both leaders hailed the deal as a “win‑win”, with von der Leyen calling it “a milestone for transatlantic cooperation.”

Trump hailed the breakthrough as proof that “trade wars work,” yet critics warn that the tariff cuts are temporary and narrow, excluding sensitive sectors like agriculture. Still, U.S.-listed shares of export‑heavy companies jumped on Monday, reflecting investor optimism about easing barriers to Europe’s $5 trillion market.

Meeting Prime Minister Starmer on Gaza

On Monday, Trump hosted UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Turnberry, discussing a European‑led peace plan for Gaza developed with France and Germany. Starmer presented an eight‑point blueprint calling for an immediate ceasefire, expanded aid corridors, and a revived two‑state process. Trump pledged U.S. support for “food distribution centers” in Gaza—“We’ll help set them up, working with Israel,” he said, emphasizing the need to end civilian suffering.

Later, Trump and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney dined over Scotch whisky tariffs and Gaza’s humanitarian toll. Swinney appealed to Trump’s Scottish heritage, urging an exemption for Scotch whisky, a uniquely regional product. The president promised to review “Scotland’s special case” once home.

Epstein Files and Maxwell’s Immunity Bid

The flight back to DC carried more than golf clubs and trade mandates. Ghislaine Maxwell testified to the House Oversight Committee on condition of immunity—an offer the panel swiftly rebuffed. On Air Force One, Trump was peppered with questions about Maxwell and the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein saga. He defended his historical ties to Epstein, insisting the disgraced financier “took” spa employees at Mar‑a‑Lago years ago.

With Maxwell threatening to refuse testimony without immunity, the congressional tussle over sealed Epstein documents shows no sign of abating—and Trump remains at its heart.

Tariffs, Fed Rates, and Back in DC

Trump touched down in Washington with the clock ticking on his Aug. 1 tariffs. He bragged that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s two‑day talks in Beijing went “very well,” but warned China that duties will be implemented unless a comprehensive agreement is reached.

Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve is set to announce on Wednesday whether it will hold interest rates steady for a fifth meeting in a row. Trump, who insists “there is no inflation,” has repeatedly pressured Fed Chair Jerome Powell to slash rates, a view at odds with the central bank’s caution to prevent a resurgence of price increases.

Home Again, the Fires Await

With one foot in the fairway and one in fiscal policy, Trump returns to the White House to juggle competing priorities: implementing new tariffs, monitoring Fed policy, advancing Gaza relief, and navigating the never‑ending Epstein controversy. His Scottish swing may have offered photo ops and wine‑soaked diplomacy, but tonight, the fires of Washington demand his full attention.

Reported by Orbital News
Sources: White House press briefings; European Commission statements; House Oversight Committee testimonies; Federal Reserve calendar.

Image: White House

Image: White House