Trump in Scotland for Trade Talks, Signs $9B Cuts, Clashes with Fed’s Powell

President Donald Trump has touched down in Scotland for a working visit that blends high-stakes diplomacy with personal interests. Late Friday, Trump arrived to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with trade negotiations between the U.S. and the U.K. topping the agenda. "We're going to be talking about the trade deal we made, and maybe even improve it," Trump told reporters before departure, hinting at further fine-tuning of the historic agreement signed in May, a landmark post-Liberation Day deal.

Beyond politics, Trump’s itinerary includes visits to his golf properties in Turnberry and Aberdeen, a nod to his passion for the sport. He’s slated to stay until Tuesday, balancing business with a bit of celebration alongside Starmer, whom he praised as a "good guy" for navigating a deal the U.K. struggled to secure for over a decade.

Closer to home, Trump wrapped a busy week by signing a controversial $9 billion rescissions package into law on Thursday. The measure slashes previously approved federal funds, revoking nearly $8 billion from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for foreign aid and over $1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, impacting outlets like NPR and PBS. This move underscores Trump’s ongoing push to redirect federal spending, though it’s already sparking debate over its long-term effects on international relations and domestic media.

Also on Thursday, Trump made waves with a visit to the Federal Reserve headquarters, fresh off a $2.5 billion renovation that’s drawn his ire. Taking aim at Chairman Jerome Powell, Trump didn’t mince words earlier this month, calling the lavish project a potential "fireable offense" and mocking Powell’s need for a "palace." Despite a tense exchange over costs, Trump downplayed any rift, describing their meeting as "good" with "no tension." Still, his long-standing frustration with Powell—over interest rates and more—remains palpable, even as he dismissed speculation of ousting the chairman.

From trade talks in Scotland to budget cuts and Fed feuds at home, Trump’s week has been a whirlwind of policy and personality. As he navigates these arenas, the world watches how his decisions will ripple across borders and balance sheets alike.