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From the negotiating table to the golf course: Trump mixes diplomacy with private business
US President Donald Trump has sparked a fierce debate over potential conflicts of interest, after during his official visit to Scotland, where he held a long-awaited meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, he not only finalized a historic trade agreement with the European Union, but also used the international stage to promote his private businesses.
During the visit, Trump held meetings with investors interested in his luxury golf resorts in Scotland, which according to US media are seeing a significant increase in value since his return to power. The president has also shown particular interest in the cryptocurrency sector, exploring new projects related to blockchain technology, an area where critics say his personal involvement could create direct private benefits.
His visit to Scotland became even more symbolic as Trump traveled on the new presidential plane, a modernized version of Air Force One, which he publicly promoted as a "symbol of American power and innovation."
This detail did not go unnoticed, as on a day busy with high-level negotiations and business activities, the use of the plane, an icon of the American presidency, for a trip that also included private interests was seen as a clear example of the combination of public power with Trump's personal image.
The agreement and political consequences
On the official front, the meeting with Von der Leyen brought about a trade deal with a flat 15% tariff on European products, including purchases of American weapons by EU countries. Trump called the deal “the biggest ever,” while the European Commission president described it as a major step toward rebalancing transatlantic trade relations. But for critics, the visit represented more than just a diplomatic success: it illustrated how the president is using high-level meetings to boost the value of the Trump brand and his private assets.
Reaction and criticism
Ethics watchdog groups and political opposition have raised concerns about this mix of official role and personal interests, warning that the precedent undermines public trust and creates a dangerous model of governance where power is used for private enrichment. “Aircraft and the American flag are becoming the backdrop for promoting Trump’s private businesses,” wrote a prominent Washington Post columnist.
From resorts in Scotland to cryptocurrencies and the use of the presidential jet for a tour that combines diplomacy with private interests, Trump's latest visit has reopened the debate over the separation of political power from personal business. With the EU-US deal now in place, questions about the president's personal gains are only set to increase, making this one of the most contentious issues of his second term. Adapted from CNN
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