Trump to Meet PM Starmer in Aberdeen Ahead of Trade Refinement Talks

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Former US President Donald Trump is expected to meet Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Aberdeen later this month to review and refine aspects of the newly signed UK–US trade agreement. The meeting will take place during Trump’s private visit to Scotland, ahead of his formal state visit to the United Kingdom in September.

Trump, who owns multiple properties in Scotland, including the Turnberry and Menie golf resorts, confirmed he would hold talks “probably in Aberdeen.” Describing the city as the “oil capital of Europe,” he used the opportunity to criticise the expansion of wind energy in the region, calling instead for renewed focus on North Sea oil. Despite political differences, Trump praised the UK as a “great place” and expressed admiration for Starmer’s leadership.

The meeting is expected to take place five days before Trump’s official state visit, scheduled for 17–19 September, when he will be hosted at Windsor Castle by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Downing Street confirmed that while the Aberdeen meeting will be informal, it will include a working session covering key elements of the UK–US trading relationship.

The discussions are likely to centre on the trade deal brokered during the recent G7 summit. That agreement saw the removal of tariffs on UK-produced cars and aerospace goods, in exchange for greater access to UK markets for American products. However, US tariffs on British steel remain high, reportedly up to 50% in some categories, while a baseline 10% tariff on other goods has raised concerns within the UK industry.

Business groups are encouraging the government to use the meeting to lobby for the removal of punitive tariffs on iconic British exports, including Scotch whisky. The Scotch Whisky Association has called for urgent action, arguing that continued trade barriers are harming the sector and limiting growth potential.

Trump’s remarks on energy policy have reignited debate over the UK’s green agenda. His criticism of wind turbines and push to “bring back the oil” contradicts Starmer’s stated ambition to end new North Sea exploration licences by 2030. Environmental groups have denounced Trump’s stance as regressive, warning it undermines long-term sustainability goals.

Although this will not be a formal bilateral summit, the upcoming meeting provides a significant opportunity for both leaders to revisit trade terms and strengthen economic ties. For the UK, it may also offer a chance to assert national interest in energy security and export competitiveness before the full state visit takes place.