Melania Skips Trump’s Scotland Visit, Fueling Rumors About Their Relationship
U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Scotland for a “working visit” centered around golfing at his Trump-branded resorts. First Lady Melania Trump did not join him on the trip.
President Trump landed in Scotland on Friday for a trip primarily focused on golf, visiting his Trump-owned courses, particularly the new Trump International Golf Links located in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, which is scheduled to open officially on August 13. Melania Trump, however, is noticeably absent from the trip.
Trump touched down at Prestwick Airport on Friday evening, where he met with UK officials and spoke to the media before heading to his Trump Turnberry resort in South Ayrshire. He is expected to play multiple rounds of golf during the visit. Trump is also set to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday, following their recent trade agreement involving selected goods.
“I’m in Scotland now,” Trump wrote on TruthSocial. “Lots of meetings lined up.” Yet, Melania Trump has opted not to accompany him on this European visit.
Her absence also means she will likely avoid the protests planned across various parts of the country during Trump’s stay.
Melania’s decision not to travel with her husband has sparked renewed speculation about the state of their marriage, especially after reports that she has only spent two weeks at the White House since Trump’s inauguration in January.
“They obviously don’t share what most would call a traditional marriage,” Mirror quoted journalist Michael Wolff, known for his books on Trump, as saying.
“I think we can more accurately say they lead separate lives. They are, in effect, separated. The President and the First Lady are separated,” he added.
Russian TV commentator Malek Dudakov also weighed in on the subject, suggesting that the couple may be dealing with relationship troubles. “From what I see, Trump has some personal issues in his marriage. Melania spends most of her time in New York with their son, who has recently started university. She doesn’t even reside with Trump,” Mirror cited Dudakov as saying.
“Trump’s popularity has certainly declined. The latest YouGov polling shows just 40 percent support. He’s got to work his way out of this slump. Time will tell whether Trump can manage that,” he continued, pointing to the president’s slipping poll numbers.
The remarks also follow reports that Melania may have influenced Trump’s decision to offer additional aid to Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. After a discussion between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Melania reportedly informed him of a strike on Ukraine ordered by Moscow.
It remains unclear what Melania Trump’s agenda includes during Trump’s European tour, but some reports suggest she’s been playing a role in significant U.S. policy decisions. Some Republican figures are even calling for the Kennedy Center’s Opera House to be renamed in her honor, highlighting her perceived growing influence.
