The mood ‘is quite tense’ after Donald Trump‘s brutal immigration warning to Europe as he arrived in Scotland – as anti-migrant sentiment continues to sweep across Britain.
As the US president touched down at Glasgow Prestwick Airport in Ayrshire on Friday, he told Europe to ‘get your act together’ over illegal immigration – branding it a ‘horrible invasion’ that is ‘killing Europe’.
Trump is set to meet Sir Keir Starmer and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney on Monday, before opening a second 18-hole course at his estate in Aberdeenshire.
He will also enter trade talks with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen this afternoon after officials from both sides said they were nearing an agreement.
But an EU diplomat claimed ‘everyone is quite tense’ – after Trump threatened ‘you’re not going to have Europe anymore’ if illegal immigration continues.
It comes as Trump is under fresh fire back home over his ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, threatening to mire his Scottish golf trip.
As he faced huge crowds at Prestwick Airport, the President denied reports he had been briefed about his name appearing in files pertaining to the case against the late Epstein.
Meanwhile, anti-migrant sentiment has rocked Britain again this week, with a string of demonstrations outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex.
The demonstrations have taken place after an asylum seeker was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl by allegedly attempting to kiss her.
President Donald Trump stepped onto Scottish soil and opened up an attack on European windmills and migration policy. He brushed off questions about the Jeffrey Epstein case
President Donald Trump headed headed for Scotland Friday, on a trip that will mix golf and what the White House calls a ‘working visit’
Members of the police stand at a beach near Trump Turnberry resort, during Trump’s visit to Scotland, today
Police officers patrol during the visit Trump today in Turnberry, Scotland
Trump walks out of a golf cart at Trump Turnberry resort, in Turnberry, Scotland, on Saturday
An elite division of police officers will be assembled to monitor social media for signs of growing anti-migrant sentiment amid fears of fresh riots this summer.
Detectives are set to be drawn from forces around the country as the Government scrambles to crack down on potential violence by flagging up early signs of civil unrest.
It comes amid warnings Britain could face another summer of disorder just 12 months after a wave of riots sparked scenes of chaos following the Southport murders.
While he slammed immigration, Trump told reporters outside the airport: ‘I like your prime minister. He’s slightly more liberal than I am… but he’s a good man… he got a trade deal done. It’s a good deal for the UK.’
The pair are expected to discuss potential changes to the UK-US trade deal which came into force last month.
Earlier this month, Trump warned the EU he would impose 30 percent tariffs on European goods unless an agreement was reached by the beginning of August.
The European Commission responded by saying it would consider retaliatory measures if talks failed.
Markets responded positively to reports of a 15 percent tariff level, viewing it as a compromise that may avoid an escalating trade dispute.
Trump touched down in Glasgow as he prepares to hit the links – and the trade talks
The president flew to Scotland, where he owns two courses as part of a business empire he has maintained while in office
In a statement on Friday, von der Leyen confirmed the meeting with Trump and said the purpose was to continue discussions on transatlantic trade relations.
Upon his arrival in Scotland, the US President also confirmed the meeting.
‘We’ll see if we can get a deal done,’ Trump said in an interview with CNBC. ‘I think we have a good 50–50 chance.’
Sir Keir will reportedly also press Trump on whether more can be done to end the war in Gaza during their meeting on Monday.
The Prime Minister’s urging for securing a ceasefire raises further risk of a clash with Trump, The Telegraph first reported.
After landing at Glasgow Prestwick at about 8.30pm local time on Friday, the US President denied reports he had been briefed about his name appearing in files pertaining to the case against sex offender Epstein.
He added he had not ‘really been following’ the justice department’s interview with Epstein’s convicted associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.
‘A lot of people have been asking me about pardons’ for Maxwell, Trump said. ‘Obviously, this is no time to be talking about pardons.
‘You’re making a very big thing over something that’s not a big thing.’