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Monday 23/02/2026

Trump and Starmer to Discuss Trade and Middle East Peace at Turnberry

President Trump and Prime Minister Starmer at Turnberry meeting
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are set to discuss the UK-US trade deal and Gaza ceasefire at Trump's Turnberry resort.
  • Trump recently announced a new US-EU trade agreement with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reducing tariffs to 15%.
  • Protests in Scotland against Trump's visit were minimal, focusing on his climate change stance and the Gaza conflict.
  • US House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed reservations about pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell, linked to the Epstein case.
  • Trump will return to Washington on Tuesday and is expected back in the UK for a state visit in September.

In a high-profile meeting at the Turnberry golf resort in Scotland, US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are set to engage in discussions focusing on the UK-US trade deal and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This meeting marks the third day of Trump's private visit to Scotland, following his recent announcement of a significant trade agreement with the European Union.

Trade and Diplomatic Talks

The discussions between Trump and Starmer are expected to cover the implementation of the UK-US trade deal, alongside efforts to broker a ceasefire in the Middle East. The leaders will also address the pressing issue of Vladimir Putin's ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump's recent trade deal with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which reduces US tariffs on European goods to 15%, has been hailed as a "huge deal" by both parties, aiming to prevent a transatlantic trade war.

Protests and Public Sentiment

Trump's visit has sparked limited protests in Scotland, with demonstrators voicing concerns over his environmental policies and stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Despite heightened security measures, the protests remained peaceful, reflecting a broader public sentiment against some of Trump's policies.

Ghislaine Maxwell Pardon Debate

Meanwhile, in the US, House Speaker Mike Johnson has voiced his hesitation regarding a potential pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, a key figure in the Jeffrey Epstein case. Johnson emphasized the severity of Maxwell's alleged crimes, suggesting that any consideration of a pardon would require significant deliberation.

Future Engagements

Trump is scheduled to return to Washington on Tuesday, with plans to revisit the UK for an official state visit in September. This ongoing diplomatic engagement underscores the importance of UK-US relations amid global challenges.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The meeting between Trump and Starmer could have significant implications for UK-US relations, particularly in the context of trade and Middle East peace efforts. If successful, these talks might pave the way for enhanced economic cooperation and a unified approach to international conflicts. However, the potential for controversy remains, especially concerning Trump's policies and public perception in the UK.

The US-EU trade agreement represents a strategic move to stabilize transatlantic relations, potentially influencing future negotiations with other global partners. As for the Ghislaine Maxwell case, any decision regarding a pardon could have far-reaching legal and political consequences, reflecting broader societal debates on justice and accountability.