Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt criticizes Donald Trump's golf outings during his visit to Scotland, suggesting they serve personal interests. Trump's trip included negotiating a new tariff agreement with the EU. Bildt also comments on upcoming US-China talks in Stockholm.
Carl Bildt Criticizes Trump's Golf Diplomacy in Scotland
Carl Bildt Criticizes Trump's Golf Diplomacy in Scotland
Donald Trump is in Scotland, where he has negotiated tariffs with the EU and played golf. Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt has taken a jab at the president's golfing on his blog: "Using the office for personal gain is, as we know, not unfamiliar to him," he writes.
Trump landed in Scotland on Friday and has since engaged in both productive talks and golf. On Sunday, he announced a new tariff agreement with the EU when the Commission's head, Ursula von der Leyen, visited the luxurious golf resort.
"We have reached an agreement. It's a good deal for everyone," Trump told a gathered media crowd.
Before the announcement, Trump was on his golf course, as he often is when not performing presidential duties.
Bildt's Jab: "A Little Extra PR"
Former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Carl Bildt blogged about Trump's visit to Scotland, taking the opportunity to criticize the president.
"The main purpose seems to be to give the golf club, which apparently is running at a loss, a little extra PR and income. Using the office for personal gain is, as we know, not unfamiliar to him," he writes.
Bildt continues to write about the meeting between the US and China set to take place in Stockholm on Monday.
"This will now be the third round between the US and China on these issues, but that everything would be resolved in Stockholm is perhaps unlikely."
"That Trump will talk about success is likely, but it usually means less than he wants to make out," continues the former Moderate leader.
Suspected Golf Cheating
Trump's visit to Scotland has garnered a lot of attention, not least because of the golfing. While he seems to have succeeded in negotiating tariff agreements, he has, according to a video circulating on social media, been caught cheating in golf.
The video shows Trump driving a golf cart to a sand bunker at one of the course's holes, while two caddies pass the cart. One caddie stops in front of the bunker, bends slightly, and drops a golf ball in front of the president, who picks up the club and approaches the ball.