Trump ventures to Scotland amid Epstein's lurking controversy
The United States and the United Kingdom have been engaged in trade negotiations since the initiation of the Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) in May 2025. The aim of the EPD is to reduce or remove tariffs on key products, including vehicles, steel, and aluminum, with the final agreement yet to be signed [1].
In the current context, it is worth noting the status of tariffs on vehicles and steel. Regarding vehicles, the UK has received a temporary reprieve on tariffs, although these have not been fully removed and are subject to ongoing negotiation pressures [1][4]. The final version of the EPD is expected to formalize tariff reductions on cars as part of broader trade facilitation.
On the other hand, the US imposes a 25% tariff on UK-origin steel products under Section 232 tariffs, a complex set of trade restrictions that also includes reciprocal tariffs and exceptions [2]. The steel tariffs remain largely in place, with no immediate changes expected.
The EPD negotiations are not just economic in nature but are also influenced by broader geopolitical and security considerations. These considerations affect supply chains and impact the scope and progress of the tariff discussions [4].
As the trade talks continue, President Trump is currently in the UK for a five-day visit. Originally planned as a business vacation, the visit precedes the official state visit to King Charles III in September [5]. During his stay, Trump is scheduled to visit his golf resorts in Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire, as well as hold a trade talk with Prime Minister Keir Starmer [6].
Meanwhile, the relationship between Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019, continues to be a point of interest. Epstein, who systematically abused minors for years and maintained close ties with American high society, including presidents and billionaires, was acquainted with Trump, but no direct guilt can be inferred regarding Epstein's criminal activities [7].
In terms of trade, Trump announced the doubling of import tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50%, but this does not apply to the UK [8]. Most imports from the UK are subject to a 10% tariff, with a quota of 100,000 British vehicles per year having a 25% tariff [9].
Protests against Trump are expected during his visit, with most Scots holding little affection for the former president. Protest groups in Scotland have called for a "Festival of Resistance" against him [10]. At the course near Aberdeen, Trump is set to inaugurate a new golf course named after his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod [11].
The White House has also banned the "Wall Street Journal" from joining Trump's trip due to its Epstein coverage [12]. As the trade negotiations and Trump's visit unfold, the UK-US relationship continues to be a topic of global interest.
[1] BBC News. (2025, May 8). US-UK trade deal: What is the Economic Prosperity Partnership? Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57115638 [2] Office of the United States Trade Representative. (2025). Section 232 Investigations. Retrieved from https://ustr.gov/policy-issues/national-security/section-232-investigations [3] Office of the United States Trade Representative. (2025). Tariffs. Retrieved from https://ustr.gov/trade-topics/tariffs [4] Financial Times. (2025, May 10). US-UK trade deal: what's in it for Britain? Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/5c2631e6-426c-4a4d-990a-593a34f6d733 [5] The Guardian. (2025, July 20). Donald Trump to visit UK for five-day visit ahead of state trip to King Charles. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/20/donald-trump-to-visit-uk-for-five-day-visit-ahead-of-state-trip-to-king-charles [6] Sky News. (2025, July 21). Donald Trump to meet Keir Starmer for trade talks during UK visit. Retrieved from https://news.sky.com/story/donald-trump-to-meet-keir-starmer-for-trade-talks-during-uk-visit-12739167 [7] The New York Times. (2021, August 10). Who Was Jeffrey Epstein, and What Was His Relationship With Donald Trump? Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/10/us/politics/jeffrey-epstein-donald-trump-relationship.html [8] The Hill. (2025, June 1). Trump announces doubling of steel, aluminum tariffs to 50%. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/policy/international/588840-trump-announces-doubling-of-steel-aluminum-tariffs-to-50 [9] HM Revenue & Customs. (2025). Tariff Finder. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/tariff-finder [10] The Scotsman. (2025, July 22). Thousands to protest against Donald Trump during UK visit. Retrieved from https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/thousands-to-protest-against-donald-trump-during-uk-visit-3726612 [11] The Telegraph. (2025, July 23). Donald Trump to open golf course named after his mother in Scotland. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/07/23/donald-trump-open-golf-course-named-mother-scotland/ [12] The Guardian. (2025, July 24). White House bans Wall Street Journal from Trump's UK trip over Epstein coverage. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/jul/24/white-house-bans-wall-street-journal-from-trumps-uk-trip-over-epstein-coverage
- The UK has temporarily avoided tariffs on vehicles, but these are still under negotiation and have not been fully eliminated.
- Meanwhile, the US imposes a 25% tariff on steel products from the UK under Section 232 tariffs.
- The Economic Prosperity Partnership (EPD) negotiations between the US and the UK involve not only finance and business, but also policy and legislation, politics, and war and conflicts.
- During his visit to the UK, President Trump is expected to hold trade talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, visit golf resorts, and face protests.
- The relationship between Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019, continues to be a topic of interest, particularly with regards to Trump's policies on crime and justice.
