Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Scotland on May 1 to visit his golf courses there and will then go to another course in Ireland.
Trump, whose family roots originate from the island of Lewis at the northwestern tip of Scotland, owns two golf courses in Scotland. One of the venues is located just north of Aberdeen, and the other, the Turnberry resort, is south of Glasgow. Trump also owns the Doonbeg golf resort in Ireland.
He spoke to reporters upon his arrival at Aberdeen airport just after 11 a.m. local time. There, he was greeted by two pipers, a red carpet, a 10-vehicle motorcade, and the Executive Vice President of Trump International, Scotland, Sarah Malone, as reported by the Herald Scotland.
“It’s great to be home. This was the home of my mother,” he told reporters in a brief address. Trump declined to answer any questions.
Trump announced he will run for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, launching his campaign in November. Before leaving for the two countries, he said he would go there to inspect his properties.
The 76-year-old posted on his social media platform Truth Social that he would meet with several good friends on his visit.
“Will be meeting with many wonderful friends, and cutting a ribbon for a new and SPECTACULAR Second Course in Aberdeen. Very Exciting,” he posted.
Trump reportedly said his reelection campaign was on his mind, expressing that a victory for him would make America “greater than ever before.”
“Very exciting despite the fact that it is ‘make America great again’ that is on my mind, in fact, America will be greater than ever before,” he asserted.
Trump’s trip comes in the wake of pending charges against him. He was charged with 34 controversial felony counts, including alleged hush-money payments made to pornographic actress Stormy Daniels, amounting to $130,000.
Trump maintains his innocence and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
According to accounts released in February, the two golf courses lost around $5.5 million in 2021.
Trump’s visit marks his first time in the country in five years. He last visited during a state visit in 2018.
Reuters contributed to this article.
